Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses have not had the best year. The global lockdown hit entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, sporting events, and many more industries hard. Manchesters (as well as the rest of the world) have to work remotely instead of going to the office, opt for online casinos for UK players instead of land-based ones, and discover the new dimensions of online socializing (think Zoom birthday parties and concert broadcasts).
During summer, governments lifted the restrictions a little bit, finally allowing people to have fun and businesses to make revenue. However, in recent weeks, countries across Europe have announced the second wave of the lockdown. The U.K. is not an exception. Businesses throughout the country, including Manchester, will have to adapt to the quarantine again or shut down. Thankfully, to help them survive, the authorities are offering help to business owners affected by COVID-19.
What to Do If You Feel Like You Cannot Meet the New Requirements?
On 24 September, the government updated the requirements and safety regulations for business owners. Now, Manchester is included into Tier 3 – Very High Alert. Understandably, not all businesses can afford to follow strict protocols, particularly when it comes to social distancing requirements and working hours allowed. If you are struggling with meeting the increased demands, consider completing the business compliance query. The authorities promise to support the applicants, both informationally and otherwise.
What Does the Coronavirus Business Support Hub Do?
Coronavirus Business Support is an exhaustive source of information about the help the British government offers to businesses that suffered because of this year’s lockdown. The support available includes loans, tax reliefs, government-funded payment to the staff (if business owners can no longer afford paychecks), and grants for self-employed people. The government offers legal and financial protection from evictions as well as support from relevant business and trade associations.
Also, the Coronavirus Business Support Hub provides general and sector-specific information to help employers keep their staff safe despite the pandemic, as well as avoid possible legal problems. Other types of managerial support (such as recommended changes to working hours and advice on how to make them work) are also available. Business owners from Manchester are welcome at the Coronavirus Business Support Hub; if you feel like your business could use some help, review the resources and find out what you are eligible for.
Unusual Yet Helpful Resources
Sure, such things as traditional need-based loans, tax reliefs, and grants are incredibly handy in times like these, but there are other, less conventional resources out there. Check out some of them:
- Kickstart Scheme grant (if you want to avoid firing your employees but struggle to pay them)
Your business is eligible for this grant if you are going to create jobs for at least 30 young people. You will get £1,500 per job placement and avoid contributing to the unemployment rates, which have been alarmingly high since the beginning of the pandemic.
In recent years, the popularity of self-employment has hit the all-time-high in the U.K. The pandemic has affected the lives of the self-employed no less than anyone else’s, and you can expect a grant even if you are a one-man business.
Other essential resources for small, medium, and large businesses are available on the government’s official website. Some of them apply to businesses from England; others are for the residents of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Island as well. However, all resources are offered to at least English business owners, so Manchesters are eligible for most of them (pay attention to the industry and conditions, though). The number of questions to answer and forms to complete is impressive for some of the grants, but do not get discouraged by this. The support you receive will be worth it in the end.
