As businesses up and down the country close their doors to help curtail the spread of Covid 19, it’s awe-inspiring to see how many are evolving to adapt to the unique circumstances they, along with everyone else, find themselves in.
Locally, businesses are reaching out and connecting with one another in a way like never before to provide encouragement, share ideas and ultimately get the support that is greatly needed.
With so much data being made available on a day to day basis, it can sometimes be hard to navigate the wealth of information out there. Here you will find some useful links and contacts to help your business.
All official advice and guidance from Central Government can be found on the COVID-19: Guidance for Employees, Employers and Businesses page, which provides information on:
Guidance for Employers and Businesses on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19: Support for Businesses
COVID-19: Guidance for Employees
Information relating specifically to Coronavirus Financial Support can be found on the Coronavirus Business Support page. Here you will find details on:
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
Support for Businesses Paying Tax
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility
Business Rates Holiday for Nurseries
Deferral of Self-Assessment Payment
For businesses who trade internationally, further guidance relating to support packages and disruptions in supply chains can be found on the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for UK Businesses Trading Internationally page.
Staff members are also on hand to deal with your enquiries. To speak to with someone from the Business Support Helpline in England call 0300 456 3565.
For information relating specifically to the support available to arts organisations and freelancers, please read our article Suppport For Arts Organisations + Freelancers.
If you can’t find the information or support you need from the above resources, there are many organisations equipped with the knowledge and ready to help.
A dedicated helpline has been set up by HMRC to support businesses and self-employed people in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities, through a service called Time to Pay. Please call HMRC on 0800 024 1222 to find out if you are eligible to apply. Arrangements will be agreed on a case by case basis.
Companies House has produced specific guidance for those businesses who are unable to file their accounts on time as a direct result of Covid-19. You can apply to extend your accounts filing deadline here.
Liverpool City Council has advised that annual business rate bills were issued before Central Government changes were announced and do not include the current reductions being offered. Where appropriate, new bills will be issued as soon as possible and will include the relevant discounts that may reduce your bill. If you are struggling to pay your business rates please email [email protected] or use the online services to update on any changes.
They are also advising any business to email the Liverpool in Work team on [email protected], if they find themselves in the difficult position of having to lay off staff as a direct result of COVID-19.
The Liverpool BID Company is working together with local businesses and networking groups to collate feedback, which will be communicated to government to ensure help comes, exactly when needed. They are asking businesses to get in touch with any concerns on [email protected] or 0151 703 2399.
The Local Growth HUB, part of the Liverpool City Region Growth Company, has also compiled a suite of resources and support. This is available to businesses and employers in the Liverpool City Region who may be affected. To better understand the impact COVID-19 is having on local businesses, they will be conducting weekly surveys. The results of these surveys will help make the case for more support from Central Government.
There is also dedicated helpline to point you in the direction of expert advice, support and guidance. To speak to a member of staff call 0151 705 1985 to see how they can help.
The British Chamber of Commerce continues to offer advice to its members with access to guidance, support schemes and practical information. Contact your local branch Liverpool Chamber here.
Marketing Liverpool have created a webpage dedicated to bringing you up to date information from key partners in the city. They are also asking for you to share your experiences via their online survey so they can help inform tourism partners, including VisitBritain, about the impact COVID-19 is having on your business.
