Information for small businesses during the outbreak
This is war and information is power!
Information & Resources for your business to survive and then thrive despite the Coronavirus Crisis
Continue to thrive at The Hive – how we will support you throughout the Coronavirus outbreak
Business Resources
IF you have a Buzz Pack it is still possible book a hot desk with super-fast 100MB wifi at The Hive under VERY stringent safety procedures that everyone entering the building will adhere to. We have enough space to maintain the correct 2m social distance at all times. We are providing a connectivity life-line for our business community to ensure they can continue to function effectively.
Call us to discuss your requirements: 0800 0219 555
Government and HMRC Resources, Helplines and Advice
GOV.UK
£617m top up grants for local small businesses previously excludedThis additional fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. We are asking local authorities to prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates. But local authorities may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need. The allocation of funding will be at the discretion of local authorities.
GOV.UK
Summary - guidance for business, employers and employeesA summary of all support currently available to business during the outbreak.
GOV.UK
Self-employment Income Support SchemeClaim a grant through the coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme. Use this scheme if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have lost income due to coronavirus.
GOV.UK
Recovery Plan 11th May 2020The Government has published the provisional next steps out of lockdown, applying to England only.
Business Support GOV.UK
Small Business Grant FundingThe Government is providing additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief.
GOV.UK
Helpline for businesses needing tax adviceHMRC has a set up a phone helpline to support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Call: 0800 015 9559
British Business Bank
Business Interruption Loans‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme’ has been brought forward and we now expect the new scheme to become available in week commencing 23 March 2020. As well as loans, there are many other types of finance supported by the programme.
GOV.UK
Find coronavirus financial support for your businessCoronavirus (COVID-19) support is available to employers and the self-employed. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants. Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.
Official Guidelines
NHS
Coronavirus GuidanceLatest advice and information from the NHS.
GOV.UK
Guides for Employers and EmployeesGuidance for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
GOV.UK
Guide on social distancingGuidance is for everyone, including children. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)
British Chambers / HM Gov
Communications ToolkitYour support is invaluable in reaching businesses, employers and employees across the UK to reassure them that the Government will deliver help and financial support during this period of unprecedented disruption.
GOV.UK
Complete list of businesses that must closeComplete list of businesses that must shut and those that should stay open. Plus exceptions in both areas and guidelines for work undertaken in people’s homes
Local Business Resources & Advice
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Conference Call Q&AThis 1 hour long conference call from 20th March, where members of TBC answer questions about COVID-19 support from the Council.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Business Rates Holiday and GrantsThe Government has confirmed that we and other councils will be responsible for administering coronavirus rate relief and grants to businesses. Businesses that are eligible for business rate holidays and for grants will be contacted by TWBC by mid April 2020.
Find out more >>
Invicta Chamber of Commerce
Business FAQs about COVID-19 and helplinePlease note that these FAQs will be updated as and when more guidance becomes available on how to access UK government support.
Invicta Helpline for members: 03333 602 300
West Kent Mind
Mental Health must be a priority for allAs this pandemic claims lives and businesses please give generously to this charity that is crucially caring for our mental health.
Articles or Resources from the BBC and other reputable sources
BBC Article
Wages, sick pay and time off explained20.3.20. Most of the wages of employees who are not working and otherwise would have lost their jobs, are being covered by the government.
Enterprise Nation
Get a Hive special rate of £50 & 3 months extra FREEGet The Hive special rate of £50 per annum and Enterprise Nation are offering 3 months free membership. Please apply coupon code at checkout COVID19ENFREE
Money Saving Expert
Advice and videos from Martin LewisFinance and business advisor Martin Lewis’s take on the Coronavirus and other business advice
Visit the website >>
Money Saving Expert
Financial FAQsThe coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we live, and many have questions about what it means for finances, employment and more. Our main coronavirus guides have full info, and are constantly updated.
Find out more >>
Enterprise Nation Blog
Accessing the government's coronavirus support20.3.20. Dan Martin examines how businesses can access the support outlined in the government’s 2020 Budget and other announcements for dealing with the impact of coronavirus.
Enterprise Nation
Ask the experts chat roomPro-active advice on how to keep trading through the epidemic, they aim to get your questions answered in 24 hours.
Enterprise Nation Coronavirus Hub
Advice on the Bounce Back Loans4.5.20 – The government’s scheme for quick loans to help small and micro businesses deal with coronavirus has launched. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and how to apply for funding.
Enterprise Nation Coronavirus Hub
Advice and resources for businessesThis page is to keep you updated of government moves, support schemes for small business, and pro-active advice on how to keep trading through the epidemic.
Facebook are launching a small business grants programme, they are asking for sign ups now and will contact businesses once they are ready to take applications. This page also has Facebook resources designed for small businesses.
Find out more and sign up >>
Useful videos
Actionable advice to help small businesses cope with the cashflow in a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak from Enterprise Nation.
22.4.20 Martin Lewis, Money saving expert’s advice for directors and sole directors of small limited companies.