Financial Support for Businesses, the Self Employed and Sole Traders
The Government has extended the support schemes and deadlines for businesses, self-employed people and sole traders to apply for job protection schemes, grants and loans. The deadlines and timelines have been extended to account for the new measures.

Use this tool to find which support you are eligible for.

NEW Local Restrictions Support Grant: the Government’s Press Release issued following the announcements on Sat 31 Oct states: “In addition, business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3K per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant. Also, £1.1bn is being given to Local Authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly.”

BCP Council and Dorset Council have launched the application process for businesses in their areas to claim a grant if they have had to close under the lockdown restrictions from 5 November 2020 to 2 December 2020.  Please check eligibility and criteria before submitting your applications, as follows:

• For businesses in the BCP Council area, follow this link: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/COVID-19/Employers-and-businesses/Financial-support-for-businesses/local-restrictions-support-grant-for-businesses-closed-from-5-november-to-2-december-2020.aspx
• For businesses in the Dorset Council area, follow this link: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus/business-and-employers/local-restrictions-support-grant-lrsg-for-premises-that-are-closed.aspx

Links to financial support:

Paying your employees

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) note: this has been extended to March 31 2021
• Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements. Dorset Chamber is an
• Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements

Support for the self-employed

• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension

Support for small and medium-sized businesses

• Apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
• Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan

Support for large businesses

• Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Apply for the COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility

Paying sick pay

• Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Paying tax

• Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Defer your Self Assessment payment on account due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• If you cannot pay your tax bill on time

Business rates relief

• Check if your retail, hospitality or leisure business is eligible for business rates relief due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Check if your nursery is eligible for business rates relief due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Further funding

Innovate UK: There are currently 24 Funds available for companies to either compete for, or provide an Expression of Interest.  Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. Its web site helps businesses search for funding opportunities, provides support and advice for applicants, allows them to register for online funding webinars and find out about UKRI Covid-19 related funding and projects.  Businesses can also connect with an innovation expert.

Note the current deadlines range from November and December 2020 to January 2021.

Crowdfund Dorset Business: Dorset LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) is offering existing micro and small businesses the opportunity to receive grant funding to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is aimed at businesses that can demonstrate how, with support of the funding, they’ll deliver direct economic benefit within the Dorset area.

Check the business support website for answers to frequently asked questions.

See the latest updates and comments on COVID-19 from Dorset Chamber:

06.11.2020 – Dorset Chamber comment: Furlough scheme extension
03.11.2020 – Coronavirus lockdown update 
31.11.2020 – Dorset Chamber and British Chambers response to Lockdown announcement
17.10.2020 – British Chambers letter to the Prime Minister asking for 5 business tests to be met (also signed by Ian Girling, Chief Executive at Dorset Chamber)
13.10.2020 – BBC South TV item on hospitality: Ian Girling comments
13.10.2020 – Dorset Chamber statement on local lockdown restrictions
22.09.2020 – Dorset Chamber comment – new Coronavirus restrictions

Following the Quarterly Economic Survey results for Q2 2020, we have a breakdown of responses from Dorset businesses

British Chambers of Commerce President, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, has written an open letter to the Prime Minister setting out principles for a phased restart of the UK economy.

The leading business group set out its integrated approach, the first step in a three-stage process, as the government prepares to ease initial lockdown restrictions.

Chambers of Commerce in Dorset urge Government to move quickly
Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber Chief Exec, has written to Boris Johnson regarding support for businesses during the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak.

The NHS Test and Trace Guidance was updated on November 5^th.

Specific COVID-19 testing guidance for employers and third party healthcare workers has also been provided.

Read the information below before booking a test

You can only get a free NHS test if at least one of the following applies:

• you have a high temperature
• you have a new, continuous cough
• you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
• you’ve been asked to by a local council
• you’re taking part in a government pilot project

You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.

You may need to get tested if you’re due to have surgery or a procedure. The hospital will arrange this for you. Contact your hospital department if you have any questions. ​

When to get a test
If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible.

Book a visit to a test site to have the test today. Test sites are open 7 days a week. Order a home test kit if you cannot get to a test site.

In England and Northern Ireland you need to get the test done in the first 8 days of having symptoms. On days 1 to 7, you can get tested at a site or at home. If you’re ordering a home test kit on day 7, do it by 3pm. On day 8, you need to go to a test site – it’s too late to order a home test kit.

Download the app
You can help to protect your friends and family by downloading the NHS COVID-19 App which also provides the latest guidance for individuals.

In light of the very recent changes we will be updating this page shortly.

Business Support from HM Government has produced this FAQ guide on support available.

As a Chamber we are seeing additional FAQs so have outlined these and some answers, linking to credible sources of further information. We fully appreciate the support does not currently cover everyone therefore we are collating examples of such gaps and sharing with the British Chambers of Commerce who are lobbying Government. If you fall into such a gap, please contact us by completing the Dorset Gateway Business Support Form at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

I’m a director who takes a small salary and the rest as dividends, is there any support available for me?

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme applies but is only applicable to your salary that is subject to PAYE and NI. However, furlough requires the individual not to work during this period of absence. Where directors have particular duties to fulfil the statutory obligations they owe to their company, they may do so provided they do no more than would reasonably be judged necessary for that purpose, i.e. they should not do work of a kind they would carry out in normal circumstances to generate commercial revenue or provides services to or on behalf of their company. Full details here.

I pay rent to a landlord so I’m not directly paying business rates. Am I eligible for business rate relief?

• The person who pays the rates would likely receive the grant so this is something to get in touch with your landlord about. The Government advice (Business Support Grant FAQs – section 31/32) states “In these cases we encourage landlords to support local government in ensuring the grant reaches eligible ratepayers.”

This is my first year of trading, how does this impact my ability to claim support?

• You must have submitted your Self-Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018 to 2019 (you must do this by 23 April 2020 or you will not be able to claim) and traded in the year 2019 to 2020. If you have not submitted Self Assessment tax returns for all 3 years find out how your eligibility is worked out here. Full details on the Self-employment Income Support Scheme here.

I joined/employee joined company after 28 Feb so I’m not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. What are my options?

• This has just been amended to 19 March, whereby your payroll details must have been submitted by your employer to HMRC by this date; full details here

I was made redundant because as my employer had to let people go. What are my options?

• This same employer can re-employ you, put you on furlough and claim for your wages here

I’m self-employed and want to claim a grant under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme, but can I carry out any work while on this? And other questions about SEISS

• Yes, you can continue working or take on additional work. Full details here

Our B&B business doesn’t occupy more than 50% of the house so we don’t have a business account. Can we still claim for the grants?

• This is an example we’ve seen where upon contacting the Council, the business owners don’t seem to be eligible for support. We recommend discussing with your local rates office. We are also sharing such examples with the British Chamber of Commerce.

Coronavirus support for business from outside government: Public bodies, organisations and charities have produced additional resources that may be useful to employers and employees.

The Government has shared details of their recovery strategy, including:

• Full details details of the recovery strategy
• Staying alert and safe (social distancing) updated November 5 2020 to include information on the new national restrictions, what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
• COVID-19 Social Distancing
• New Restrictions from November 5

Face Coverings: when to wear one
In England, you must wear a face covering in the following indoor settings (from 5 November, see the guidance on national restrictions to find out which of these settings remain open to the public):

• public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses)
• taxis and private hire vehicles
• transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
• shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
• shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
• auction houses
• premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink (see exemptions)
• post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
• estate and lettings agents
• theatres
• premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours)
• premises providing veterinary services
• visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)
• libraries and public reading rooms
• places of worship
• funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels)
• community centres, youth centres and social clubs
• exhibition halls and conference centres
• public areas in hotels and hostels
• storage and distribution facilities

You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it. You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Seasonal Farm Work Opportunities
Pick for Britain is a site for those looking for opportunities and those who have jobs available to advertise.

Association of Labour Providers has a range of links to sites advertising seasonal work.

Money Advice Service: Coronavirus and your Money
Advice on if you need to take time off work or face a drop in income, including a step by step checklist and other considerations relating to coronavirus.

Money Advice Service: Coronavirus – what it means for you and what you’re entitled to

This guide looks at your rights and what benefits you’re eligible for.

Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of COVID-19
During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it. This guide provides advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

British Chambers of Commerce
As the Coronavirus continues to impact the operations of businesses, learn more about the steps that Chambers and members can implement to minimise impact on local communities and support the UK government’s strategy. Its dedicated web page is based on official guidance and will be updated as and when updates are released.

Business Resilience Service
In response to the developing economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, Dorset Business Mentors has a C-19 Business Support Service to help Dorset’s small businesses with immediate and ongoing support through an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Up to 3 months free of charge.

Its proposition offers business owners confidential mentoring and ongoing personal support provided by a team of over 120 highly experienced, volunteer business professionals with a strong reputation for working with small businesses.

The service will provide business assessment of critical priorities including: Financial, Staff, Suppliers and Turnover implications; and match a mentor who will calmly guide a strategic response, offering an invaluable and experienced sounding board for the main Director’s decision making, and who will support well-being during a time when many individuals may feel isolated and under pressure.