Information for Businesses – Update as at 11 May 2020

Update as at 11 May 2020.

Saffron Walden Business Improvement District Ltd is not able to offer advice on any of the issues listed below.  What we are trying to do is “sign post” information in an environment which is changing very quickly.  If you need specific advice you should contact your own professional advisors (e.g. accountant).

Given the introduction of the “Business Support Finder Tool” (see below), from now we will only post updated information.  As ever the Government outline the range of support information on https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Specifics:

  1. UDC Business Newsletter

Updated this week

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKUTTLESFORD/bulletins/28b571b

  1. Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Launched by the Government up to £50,000 (capped at 25% of turnover) at an interest rate of 2.5%.  This is 100% underwritten by Government, which should make it more available to small businesses.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/882875/01052020_CX_Letter_to_banks_-_pricing_and_CCA_.pdf

  1. Prime Minster’s statement (10 May 2020)

We are awaiting further guidance which is due for publication today.  From today people who cannot work from home are being encouraged to go back to work providing they can get there safely and operate under safe conditions.  In this context “safe” means continuing to maintain the “social distance” of 2m.

Providing the “R” rate stays below 1 shops may be allowed to open around 1 June.  At the BID we have already been working on what a limited opening may look like and what we can do to make it successful in as safe a way as possible.  If you have any ideas please email us or raise on the SWBID Support SW WhatsApp group

4. Government guidelines for working safely during coronavirus.

Following  announcements earlier this week the Gov’t have uploaded guidance for business opening up.  Please use these documents and checklists as you plan to open up.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

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Also we are sharing a survey for businesses run by SaveTheHighStreet.org.  Every business that completes it will receive the following personalised support for FREE:

  • A Health-Check report and scores, highlighting vulnerabilities and opportunities across their business.
  • 6 top recommendations selected for them, each with engaging content, step-by-step guides and more.
  • A telephone call with an expert consultant to discuss their report and recommendations (optional and for the first 1,000 responses).
The road to recovery and resilience in the face of COVID-19 has begun.
Please contact us at  saffronwaldenbid@gmail.com, if you need further assistance.