Covid-19: Update for businesses
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Welcome to this week’s business newsletter on the support and guidance available during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This issue features the following articles:
- Discretionary Grant deadline removed
- Public health requirements as businesses re-open
- "Covid Confident" scheme for the hospitality sector
- Information on VAT Payments
- Grants for self-employed new parents and reservists
- Halt to evictions and more support for high street businesses
- Building Legacies webinars
- Events company combating reduction in business
Grants are awarded via application and applicants will need to provide certain documentary evidence to support their application. We have removed the deadline for small businesses to apply for small business Discretionary Grants, which was due to be 29 June.
Discretionary Grants are for certain businesses who were not for previous Government Grants paid by the Council to business rates payers, including:
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Small suppliers hardest hit by the closure of the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors;
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Shared workspace users;
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Permanent market traders;
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Small charities;
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Bed and breakfasts paying council tax.
Grants are awarded via application and applicants will need to provide certain documentary evidence to support their application.
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The latest Government Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic has been published.
There are 12 guides available covering a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles so will need to read the details carefully.
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Following recent government announcements which mean the hospitality sector can re-open, the AA has introduced a "Covid confident" accreditation scheme to ensure public health requirements are met, helping the public to stay safe.
Risk assessments, safety measures and staff training, in line with Government and UK Hospitality guidelines, will be carried out as part of the accreditation scheme, which is open to hotels, restaurants, pubs, B&BS, campsites and self-catering accommodation.
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As part of the Government’s support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties.
Payment of VAT falling due between 20 March and 30 June 2020 can be deferred until 31 March 2021.
You must however continue to file your VAT return on time, even if you defer.
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HM Treasury has announced that self-employed parents whose trading profits fell in 2018/19, as they took time out to have children, will be able to make a claim under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
Self-employed army, navy and air force reservists who are currently ineligible for the SEISS as a direct result of their service will also be able to access grants.
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The UK government has extended measures to stop struggling companies being evicted over the summer.
The extension, until the end of September, comes alongside further support to help local businesses plan for economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.
A new code of practice has been developed with leaders from the retail, hospitality and property sectors to provide clarity for businesses when discussing rental payments and to encourage best practice so that all parties are supported.
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Building Legacies has launched a new series of webinars with long-standing and trusted business advisor and trainer, Sir Henry Boyle.
The ‘Ask Henry’ series consists of seven short, fun and informative webinars to help business owners and SMEs unlock their true potential as they prepare to return to business.
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Promo2u predominately serves the events industry, which collapsed in early March due to Covid-19, with a reduction in orders of around 95%.
As there be significantly fewer events for the foreseeable future, the firm has launched a new brand iTravelSafe which provides face coverings to the public and in bulk.
Promo2u is producing steri-wipes, which will protect mobile devices for up to 10 days and a UK-made hand sanitiser.
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We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.
You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.
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