COVID-19 Business Support

We hope you are all keeping well and safe.

Over the course of this year we have kept a close eye on the developments of Covid-19 and as well on UK government plans how to keep the public safe during the virus outbreak and what opportunities and support is available for our portfolio and other UK businesses.

More guidance: National lockdown: Stay at Home

Coronavirus: The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis

We have compiled the information below based on government guidance, as well as updates from other trade associations, to provide information what is available to public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19

Job Retention Scheme
- Extended now until 30th April 2021
Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments
A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020 to 2021 tax year
The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- The scheme helps medium and large sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £200 million.
- The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender.
Support for self-employed: Claim a grant through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC has produced guidance to help employers find out what equipment, services or supplies are taxable if your employees are working from home due to coronavirus
HMRC Time to Pay helpline service for eligible businesses and self-employed individuals to receive support with tax liabilities

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

The temporary CBILS supports SMEs with access to loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million and for up to 6 years.

CBILS has been significantly expanded along with changes to the scheme’s features and eligibility criteria. Importantly, access to the scheme has been opened up to those smaller businesses who would have previously met the requirements for a commercial facility but would not have been eligible for CBILS. Insufficient security is no longer a condition to access the scheme.

Coronavirus Business Loan Schemes has been extended until 31st March 2021

More information about who is eligible and how to access this scheme: British Business Bank website

Future Fund

The Future Fund will close for new applications on by 31st January 2021.

The Future Fund will provide convertible loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal matched funding from private investors. The scheme is designed by government and delivered by the British Business Bank.

Future Fund portal is open. Access here
Financing will be unlocked by additional third-party investment on a match funded basis
Applications submitted via an online platform based on a set of standard terms and eligibility criteria
Future Fund will be allocated on a first come first served basis with the decisions being made only on eligibility not on any form of investment decision or merit

Full terms and eligibility criteria are available on British Business Bank website

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

The Bounce Back Loan scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000.

BBLS is available through a range of British Business Bank accredited lenders and partners, listed on the British Business Bank website. A lender can provide a six-year term loan from £2,000 up to 25% of a business’ turnover. The maximum loan amount is £50,000. The scheme gives the lender a full (100%) government-backed guarantee against the outstanding balance of the facility (both capital and interest).

You can apply for a loan if your business is based in the UK and has been negatively affected by coronavirus.

The full rules of the scheme and guidance on how to apply is available on the British Business Bank website. This scheme has been extended until 31st March 2021

Support for businesses in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Because some elements of business support are devolved, the measures you can access may differ if your business is in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We have also included guidance for businesses in Republic of Ireland.

Businesses in Scotland: View the latest guidance on coronavirus for businesses in Scotland

Businesses in Wales: View the latest guidance on coronavirus for businesses in Wales

Businesses in Northern Ireland: View the latest guidance on coronavirus for businesses in Northern Ireland

Businesses in Republic of Ireland: Government supports for coronavirus impacted businesses