In the current climate, information on grants is always evolving. Please check this page regularly for updates and ensure you read the guidance and details carefully. Privacy Notice Covid-19 Support Grants

14/09/2021

The ARG Adapt & Revive Grant is temporarily closed 

Due to provisionally reaching the grant fund cap (£300,000) for applications to the ARG Adapt & Revive scheme, we are temporarily halting new applications to concentrate on validating the first batch thoroughly and will let businesses know if and when the grant will reopen for new applications.

The Grants Team will assess the quality of the pending applications before further updates can be made.

We appreciate your patience on this matter and ask that you do not contact the grants team until further notice. We encourage any potential future applicants to read the published guidance thoroughly before making an application.

If your application was successful we will be in touch in due course to discuss the application further and the level of funding that has been applied for. As part of the initial validation process we will looking to notify unsuccessful applicants next week, this is due to some applications coming from ineligible business sectors.

Please note this scheme may require match funding and is a capital grant scheme, for further information about what constitutes as capital expenditure please see below:

We thank you for your patience and will look to update you as soon as possible.

13/09/2021

Please note this grant is temporarily closed, see latest post above for more information.

ARG Adapt & Revive Grant 

The Adapt & Revive Grant is now open for applications, this support is available for businesses that operate within the Retail, Hospitality, Leisure, Personal Care and supply chain businesses of the aforementioned sectors. Before starting your application, please ensure you have the following documents to hand, as these will need to be uploaded as part of your overall application:

• Business Plan and Financial Plan detailing the measures your business is going to take to safeguard it’s future as well as detailing any equipment, new technology, training, research & development or business resilience measures you will be looking to implement.
• Proof of trading from 12th April 2021, documented proof is required.
• 2019/20 or 2020/21 company accounts or 2020/21 HMRC Tax Return
• Latest business Bank Statement
• Date your business was established
• Please ensure you have read the policy in full, which can be found by clicking here
• Further information may be requested in later validation rounds, as well as an interview with one of our Business Advisors to establish business viability or to check information submitted with your application.

Please ensure all your details are correct and the evidence supplied meets the criteria set out in the Guidance prior to submitting your application. If additional information is required this will delay how long it takes for one of the Business Advisors to assess your application and we must remind applicants that grant awards will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

All applicants will be notified if they have been successful or not, please note payments will not be made until early October. To apply for the Adapt & Revive Grant please click here.

10/09/2021

Due to launch on Monday 13 September 2021, The Grants Team are excited to announce the launch of the ARG Adapt & Revive Grant. This new initiative will aim to support businesses in the form of a capital grant to aid in their recovery post Covid-19 and encourage them to prosper by investing in aspects of their business to enhance their resilience, expand, increase or work towards greater sustainability, new technology / equipment or innovation. However like previous ARG initiatives this scheme cannot be used for revenue items and cannot be used a wage support mechanism.

Businesses can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help them adapt, diversify and support long-term sustainability. Businesses from the following sectors are eligible and encouraged to apply:

• Hospitality (pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels)
• Leisure (including sports and equestrian)
• Retail (independent only)
• Close Contact Services (including hair and beauty, gyms and therapies)
• Food & Drink Catering (including manufacture, wholesale etc
• Visitor Economy
• Supply chains to the above

Please note all applicants will need to clearly demonstrate how grant awards will be used to safeguard their business and be prepared to submit business and financial plans, whilst also being in a position to match-fund any potential award amount.

More information on the eligibility criteria can be found within the ARG Adapt and Revive policy and the online application form will be live on Monday 13 September 2021 where you can return to this page to start your application if your business meets the eligibility criteria.

24/07/2021

The Grants Team have distributed over £15 Million in Covid-19 Business Grants since November 2020 by completing the delivery of LRSG Schemes, CSP, CBLP and Allocation 1&2 of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) , the small but dedicated Grants Team have been working tirelessly to ensure these funds reach the businesses in need as quickly as possible and would like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses for their cooperation in helping achieve this.

Following recent receipt of our final ARG allocation we are currently finalising details to launch two new schemes next month under the ARG fund, we will look to announce these in more detail in the nearer future so please watch this space and sign up to our newsletter if you haven’t done so already.

Total number of Grants delivered since November 2020

02/07/2021

The Restart Grant is now closed for new applications

As of 23:59 on 30 June 2021 the Restart Grant closed for new applications and final payments are due to be made by 31 July 2021. With final figures yet to be confirmed due to ongoing applications going through our validation process, so far North Kesteven District Council has supported 584 businesses to the value of £4,311,376 through this scheme.

With regards to the extended 4 week period of restrictions, the Government have not issued Local Authorities with any additional funding to cover this period and NKDC have delivered 100% of our current discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund as of 31 May 2021. We have applied for our third and final top up and will look to announce future schemes in due course and will update businesses through our website and ongoing e-newsletter.

29/06/2021

Final call for businesses to apply for the Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is still open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June 2021.

18/06/2021

Less than two weeks left to apply for the Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is still open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June 2021.

Please note, due to website maintenance the application form for the Restart Grant will be down for 24 hours from 22 -23 June.

07/06/2021

Please note due to website maintenance the application form for the Restart Grant will be down for 24 hours from 9PM tomorrow (8th June 2021)

04/06/2021

Less than one month left to apply for the Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is still open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June 2021.

28/05/2021

Only one month left to apply for the Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is still open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June 2021.

21/05/2021

492 Businesses supported through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

The Government launched the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) on 12 November 2020, the main objectives of this fund were to allow Local Authorities to support businesses severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. In total North Kesteven District Council has recieved in total £3,376,862, this was comprised of an initial allocation of £2,338,300 paid on 13 November 2020 and a further top-up allocation of £1,038,562 was paid 15 June 2021 when the country was in the third national lockdown. We are now delighted to day that we have spent 100% of our allocations and will be looking to apply for a third tranche once we have evidenced spending to The Treasury, we will look to announce further schemes in due course.

Over the course of the past 7 months we have devised multiple schemes in order to meet the objectives set out in this grant and, were possible, mirror the mandatory Government schemes which we have delivered and continue to do so.

Please see below a brief description of the different schemes we have run:

ARG (Required to Close) – This scheme was designed to support businesses that were on the Governments list of businesses mandated to close, however were not registered for business rates.

ARG (Sector Support) – In acknowledgement that certain business sectors had received little to no support, ARG Sector Support focused on 8 key sectors; Close Contact Services (to non-rated businesses), Animal & Pet Services, Visitor Accommodation, Business to Business Services (non-Financial), Automotive (non-retail), Childcare, Registered Charities and North Kesteven registered Taxi Drivers. Again we required businesses to show that their business had been impacted financially.

ARG (Severe Impact) – To support businesses with the hospitality Sector, including food and drink supplies, catering, disposables and transport who were severely impacted by the November lockdown. This grant was designed to incorporate a large range of sectors which either did not have access to or not enough access to the mandatory grants being delivered at the time that could show their business had been impacted financially. The grant awards also reflected the January lockdown.

ARG NER (Non-Essential Retail Top-Up) – To address the difference between the two strands of the Restart Grant (Non-Essential Retail and Hospitality/Leisure/Accommodation/Personal Care/Gyms & Sports Facilities) we have utilised ARG funds to ensure all eligible businesses that are paid under the Non-Essential Retail strand will receive 50% payment of the equivalent Hospitality strand.

ARG Reopening (Pubs/Cafes) – To further support businesses which had been impacted most within the hospitality sector 155 business were identified from previous schemes to support their reopening in advance of April 12^th 2021.

ARG Targeted Support – A number of businesses which successfully applied to the ARG Severe Impact were identified for an additional discretionary payment, these businesses all operated within the Hospitality and Leisure sectors which have been hit the hardest financially during the national lockdowns.

07/05/2021

North Kesteven District Council will be making an automatic payment to all successful applicants of the Restart Grant who were paid under the non-essential retail strand of the scheme, we appreciate there is a variance between the two strands set out by Government and want to continue supporting such an important part of our local economy.

This discretionary top-up payment will enable non-essential retail applicants to receive 50% of the equivalent hospitality strand payment. Please be aware that this additional payment will be made from a separate fund and is not part of the Restart Grant scheme we are delivering on behalf of the Government.

An automatic payment to all businesses that have already been paid under the Non-Essential Retail strand will be made today (7 May 2021) and any new applicants will receive a single payment of the higher amount detailed in the matrix below. Please be aware that you must have been registered with business rates on 1 April 2021 to qualify for the Restart Grant.

This matrix sets out our payment structure dependent on the rateable value of your businesses premises:

30/04/2021

The Restart Grant is open for applications. This support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care.

To date, North Kesteven District Council has paid out £3,018,689 in Restart Grants, however we are aware that a number of eligible businesses have not applied. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here.

23/04/2021

The first tranche of payments were made earlier this week for the Restart grant and another payment round will be made today.

Please refrain from contacting the team, if there is an issue with your application or further information is required a member of the team will be in touch.

15/04/2021

Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is open for applications, this support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. Before starting your application, please ensure you have the following documents to hand, as these will need to be uploaded as part of your overall application:

• Business Rates Bill 2020/21 or 2021/22 if received
• Proof of trading from 1 April 2021 (Please refer to point 24 and 25 of the guidance) documented proof is required
• Latest business Bank Statement
• Date your business was established

Please ensure all your details are correct and the evidence supplied meets the criteria prior to submitting your application. If additional information is required this could delay payment.

The first tranche of payments will be made following final bank checks which are currently being undertaken. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here.

12/04/2021

Restart Grant

The Restart Grant is open for applications, this support is available for businesses post 1 April that are in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care. Before starting your application, please ensure you have the following documents to hand, as these will need to be uploaded as part of your overall application:

• Business Rates Bill 2020/21 or 2021/22 if received
• Proof of trading from 1 April 2021 (Please refer to point 24 and 25 of the guidance) documented proof is required
• Latest business Bank Statement
• Date your business was established

Please ensure all your details are correct and the evidence supplied meets the criteria prior to submitting your application. If additional information is required this could delay payment.

The first tranche of payments will be made from Monday 12 April 2021. To apply for the Restart Grant please click here.

01/04/2021

Restart Grant

We will be launching the application process for this scheme on the 1 April 2021, to assist us in making the validation process quicker please ensure that all yours details are correct and the evidence supplied meets the criteria prior to submitting your form. If any additional information is required this could delay payment to your business, we are expecting our allocation of grant funds to be with us on or after Tuesday 6 April 2021 and we will be making first payments from Monday 12 April 2021.

Before starting your application, please ensure you have the following documents to hand, as these will need to be uploaded as part of your overall application:

• Business Rates Bill 2020/21 (If registered with rates already, then you should have received an updated bill on or around 9 March) or 2021/22 if received
• Proof of trading from 1 April 2021 – Please refer to point 24 & 25 of the guidance – we will require documented proof of this
• Latest business Bank Statement – This is required to double check the submitted bank details on your application form. If your business uses a personal .account for its business transactions we may require further evidence as to why this is
• Date your business was established
• Companies House (CRN) / Registered Charity Number
• If a non-limited company, please ensure you have National Insurance Number to hand

For a copy of the guidance and to apply to the Restart Grant please click here.

Please note the Grants Team will be on Leave from Friday 2 April until Tuesday 6 April

The Local Restriction Support Grant (Closed) Addendum and the Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Sector Support are now closed.

24/03/2021

Restart Grant

Following the Chancellors announcement on the 3 March 2021, we will be launching the Restart Grant to new applications on the 1 April 2021, as per the Government Guidance.

For businesses to apply they must have been occupying hereditaments (premises) as of the 1 April 2021 and registered with our Business Rates Department, any changes to the ratings list (rateable value or to the hereditament) after 1 April 2021 will be ignored for the purpose of eligibility.

Due to Government requesting additional information, for which we do not hold on existing applicants to other COVID-19 related grants, we will be looking to launch a new application process for this grant and businesses will not receive an automatic payment as they have done in the past. As part of our validation process we will be looking for proof of trading from 1 April 2021 to ensure that payments are only made to active businesses, further information on what constitutes as trading can be found on point 24 & 25 of the grant guidance.

For premises that are on the business ratings list, non-essential retail will receive between £2,667 and £6,000 per premises depending on the rateable value. Hospitality & Leisure including personal care and gyms will receive between £8,000 and £18,000 per premises depending on rateable value. Please view the latest guidance to see which grant you will be eligible for.

Please be aware we are still awaiting confirmation of our allocation and when it will be received from Government, at the current time will be looking to make payments to eligible businesses, which have passed validation, from the 12 April 2021, please note that the application closure date for this scheme is 30 June 2021 with all final payments made by the 31 July 2021.

22/03/2021

Applications for the ARG (Required to Close) scheme are now closed.

19/03/2021

The Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Sector Support

The ARG Sector Support is now open and will target those businesses which have had limited support since lockdown restrictions were enforced in November 2020.

To be eligible for the ARG Sector Support a business must have either been trading on the 4 November 2020. For the full list of eligible sectors please refer to the ARG Sector Support Policy. If you think your business is eligible please apply here.

Applications will close on 31 March 2021 and grant payments will be made from Thursday 25 March 2021.

Financial business support post-April 2021

Following the Chancellor’s announcement on 3 March 2021 we are still awaiting official guidance and funding. We are hoping to receive an update from Government the week commencing 22 March 2021 and we will publish guidance on our website as soon as possible. For further information on the Chancellor’s announcement please see here.

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum

The closing date for the LRSG (Closed) Addendum scheme is Wednesday 31 March 2021, if you have already applied please do not apply again. If you have recently applied and we require additional information to validate your application please ensure this is submitted by 31 March.

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) (Required to Close)

Applications for the ARG (Required to Close) scheme close today (19 March). If you have recently applied and we have requested additional information to validate your application please ensure this is submitted as soon as possible.

15/03/2021

The Additional Restriction Grant Sector Support scheme launches today

The ARG Sector Support will target those businesses who have had limited support since Lockdown restrictions were enforced in November 2020.

To be eligible for the ARG Sector Support a business must have been trading on the 4th November 2020 regardless of whether required to close under Tier 3/4 restrictions. For the full list of eligible businesses please refer to the ARG Sector Support Policy. If you think your business is eligible please apply here.

Applications for the ARG Sector Support open today (15 March 2021) and will close on 31 March 2021. Grant payments will be made from Thursday 1 April 2021.

12/03/2021

Financial Business Support Post-April 2021

Following the Chancellors announcement on 3 March 2021 we are still awaiting official guidance and funding. We are hoping to receive an update from Government the week commencing 22 March 2021 and we will publish guidance on our website as soon as possible. For further information on the Chancellors announcement please see here.

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum

The closing date for the LRSG (Closed) Addendum scheme for new applications is Wednesday 31 March 2021. If you have recently applied and we require additional information to validate your application please ensure this is submitted by 31 March.

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) (Required to Close)

The closing date for the ARG (Required to Close) scheme for new applications is Friday 19 March 2021. If you have recently applied and we require additional information to validate your application, please ensure this is submitted by 19 March 2021.

If the deadlines for the LRSG (Closed) Addendum and ARG (RtC) are not met applications will automatically become void. Please note there will not be an opportunity to appeal this decision.

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) (Sector Support)

We will be launching our new ARG Sector Support scheme Monday 15 March 2021. For further details on the application process and our official guidance on this new scheme, please keep monitoring our website. Full details will be shared by 16:00 on the 15 March.

10/03/2021

Since November NKDC has distributed a total of £8,610,476 worth of grant funding to 874 businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19. The table below demonstrates the amount and number of businesses paid under each grant scheme since November. An additional 1799 businesses were supported last spring through either the Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, totalling £20,225,000, and a further 129 businesses were supported through the Discretionary Grant Fund (DGF) totalling our full allocation of £1,035,000.

08/03/2021

LRSG (Closed) Addendum & Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Required to Close – Update

The Government announced continued business support on 22 February 2021 with allocation due to Local Authorities early March, this will be under the familiar LRSG (Closed) Addendum scheme. This will be a 44 day payment up until the 31 March 2021, payment will be made automatically to businesses that were successful for the previous LRSG CA schemes. Payments were made from 5 March 2021.

The LRSG (Closed) Addendum is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current lockdown. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible, have read the original policy here and have not been in receipt of a grant please email [email protected] providing your business name, nature of business and rates number. Should you be successful following the application process you will then automatically receive the LRSG Closed Addendum and the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

The Additional Restriction Grant (business required to close) is open for applications

The Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) will be available to businesses that remain closed from the 16^th February 2021 who have fixed property costs or work from home but are not on the rating list.

If you successfully applied for the Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) (Required to Close) in either the November or January lockdowns, a flat rate grant will automatically be awarded of £2,620, this will cover businesses for a 55 day period between 16 February 2021 and 11 April 2021, we look to make this the final payment under the ARG Required to Close scheme. You will not need to reapply to this scheme if you have already received payments under the Additional Restriction Grant (Required to Close)

If you haven’t previously applied to this scheme and believe you are eligible from the guidance, we invite you to submit your application. You may be eligible for payments to cover the following periods:

Please note, that you will be required to supply evidence of trading for the periods of funding you are applying for.

For further information on the eligibility criteria and a list of all documents required to support applications can be found on the ARG RTC Policy. If you think your business is eligible please apply here.

Applications will close on Friday 19 March 2021 and Grant payments will be made from Thursday 11 March 2021.

Please note this grant is only for those required to close, not severely impacted. We are working on a sector support grant for those who have had little or no support, this will be available later in March.

25/02/2021

LRSG (Closed) Addendum & Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Required to Close – Update

The Government announced continued business support on 22 February 2021 with allocation due to Local Authorities early March, this will be under the familiar LRSG (Closed) Addendum scheme. This will be a 44 day payment up until the 31 March 2021, payment will be made automatically to businesses that were successful for the previous LRSG CA schemes. Payments will be made 5 March 2021.

For information the LRSG (Closed) Addendum is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current lockdown. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible, have read the original policy here and have not been in receipt of a grant please email [email protected] providing your business name, nature of business and rates number. Should you be successful following the application process you will then automatically receive the LRSG Closed Addendum and the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

Future Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Support

The Grants Team are delighted to announce that we are looking to re-open the ARG (Required to Close) scheme, this was originally launched in mid-January, however we looking to open this up to new applications between 1^st March to 19^th March 2021 for businesses that have been required to close but are not on the business ratings list – We will look to communicate further information on this through our website, so please keep monitoring this for updates. Please be aware that if you have already successfully applied under this scheme, we are looking to make an automatic payment to the account details we have on record, covering businesses for the 44 days they are still required to close – Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again.

17/02/2021

Business Support – Post February 16th

We still do not have any information from Central Government regarding support for businesses post mid-February unfortunately. As soon as we know and have information to share, it will be published on our website and in our businessnk newsletter. We advise you to monitor the funding updates section closely and sign up to our newsletter and information will be shared direct https://www.businessnk.co.uk/covid-19-support/

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum

This grant is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current lockdown. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible, have read the original policy here and have not been in receipt of a grant please email [email protected] providing your business name, nature of business and rates number. Should you be successful following the application process you will then automatically receive the LRSG Closed Addendum and the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

Future Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Support

As per our last update, we are still looking into different schemes to support businesses in sectors that have not been represented as yet (such as Catteries and Kennels and some Close Contact Services), so please check the website regularly for details, we want to support as many local businesses as we can, therefore advise all businesses to keep monitoring the website.

Lincolnshire County Council Business Recovery Fund

Lincolnshire County Council are looking to launch a £12m fund, with applications starting from noon 23 February 2021, this is being targeted at small businesses within the County who have not been able to access the Government grants to date.

This is not a grant fund set up or administered by the North Kesteven District Council Grant Team, so for further information on this please visit the Lincolnshire County Council website for further information on how to apply and the application criteria.

10/02/2021

Business Support – Post February 16th

At this stage we do not have any information from Central Government regarding support for businesses post mid-February. As soon as we have information to share, it will be published on our website and in our weekly e-newsletter.

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum

This grant is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current lockdown. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible, have read the original policy here and have not been in receipt of a grant please email [email protected] providing your business name, nature of business and rates number. Should you be successful following the application process you will then automatically receive the LRSG Closed Addendum and the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

Future Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Support

We are currently looking into different schemes to support businesses in sectors that have not been targeted as yet, so please check the website regularly for details, we want to support as many local businesses as we can, so therefore advise all businesses to keep an eye on the website as the situation changes and further category specific grants are tabled to launch.

09/02/2021

Lincolnshire County Council unveils £12m package of support for local economy

Local businesses could benefit from up to £10,000 of funding through a new grant scheme being planned by the county council.

In light of the economic impact of coronavirus, Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive has proposed using some the authority’s reserves to provide a £12m package of support for local firms, including business grants. The support is particularly aimed at those that have not benefited from the government’s Covid support schemes and smaller businesses with 50 employees or fewer. More information here.

Please note this new grant scheme is being planned by Lincolnshire County Council, therefore all enquiries should be sent directly to Lincolnshire County Council.

05/02/2021

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Required to Close

Applications for this fund are currently closed and being validatied the grants team are working towards making payments from Friday 5 February. If we require additional information, we will make contact with applicants directly.

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Severe Impact

Please note the deadline has been met for this grant, we are currently going through the validation process and businesses will be contacted if eligibility criteria has not been met, or if additional information is required to validate the application. We are working towards making payments at the end of next week.

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum

This grant is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current lockdown. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible, have read the original policy here and have not been in receipt of a grant please email [email protected] providing your business name, nature of business and rates number. Should you be successful following the application process you will then automatically receive the LRSG Closed Addendum and the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

The deadline for this grant is 28 February 2021. North Kesteven District Council has contacted and paid pubs that previously applied to the LRSG (closed) Addendum in regards to the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs. If you have not been contacted and believe you are eligible, please contact [email protected]  with the pub name and business rates number. To be eligible for this grant, pubs must derive less than 50% of their income from the sale of food. Pubs must also meet all other conditions set out in the Government guidance for this scheme, which can be found here.

29/01/2021

Payments

Payments have been made in batches last week for the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum, Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum Tier 4 and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) (one off payment).

Please note these were automatic payments to businesses that were eligible for the LRSG (closed) Addendum for November lockdown and the current lockdown, however this does not link in any way to the grants processed in March 2020.

For a breakdown of the grant payments please refer to the table below.

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum

This grant is to support businesses who are on the ratings list who have been forced to close during the national lockdown in November and the current one. Businesses that have already applied to this grant are not required to apply again, if you feel that you are eligible and have not been in receipt of a grant please click here to read the policy to understand if you are eligible. Having read the policy, if you believe you are eligible please email [email protected] your business name and rates number.

Should you be successful following an application process you will then also automatically receive the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP).

Additional Restriction Grant (required to close)

The Council has reopened the Additional Restriction Grant (required to close) for applications from those affected by the current lockdown period who did not apply previously. This grant is aimed at supporting those businesses who rent premises but aren’t the registered rates payer, those who have property costs or those that have been required to close as per Government guidelines.

Those who have already received funding via this grant for the November lockdown must not reapply. An automated payment of £2,001 has been made to businesses who applied and were eligible for the November lockdown and this will cover the 42 day period of the national lockdown we are in at present. Only apply if you haven’t submitted to this grant previously.

If you didn’t receive funding for the November 2020 lockdown and believe you are eligible, please complete the form and provide trading evidence for the corresponding period. If indeed eligible for the November period, a grant award can be backdated. For details on the policy please click here and to apply please see here. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 January 2021.

Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Severe Impact

Following a successful Expression of Interest (EOI) phase running over the Christmas period, The Council has determined to focus this discretionary scheme on key target categories in the Hospitality and Leisure sector in order to provide support to those businesses evidence shows have been hardest hit by the second national lockdown (05/11/20 – 04-12/20) and which continue to be impacted by further restrictions continuing into 2021.

The target sector categories for this initial ARG Severe Impact are of strategic importance to North Kesteven and vital for the sustainability of the local economy and communities in The District. The ARG Severe Impact Policy and full list of eligible businesses can be found here. The ARG Severe Impact is now closed and we cannot accept any more submissions,

Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

Please note this support grant will close on 28th February 2021. North Kesteven District Council has contacted and paid pubs that previously applied to the LRSG (closed) Addendum in regards to the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs. If you have not been contacted and believe you are eligible, please contact [email protected] with the pub name and business rates number. To be eligible for this grant, pubs must derive less than 50% of their income from the sale of food. Pubs must also meet all other conditions set out in the Government guidance for this scheme, which can be found here. 

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (open) & Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed)

This grant is currently ceased during the national lockdown. All funds have now been allocated for the period of 3rd December to 30th December for the LRSG (Open), no monies remain.

25/01/2021

For businesses enquiring about the Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP), please note this is not related to the grant payments back in March.

22/01/2021

Additional Restrictions Grant Severe Impact (ARGSI)

NKDC has today (22/01/21) launched the latest Government-backed Covid-19 business support grant, the Additional Restrictions Grant Severe Impact (ARGSI) for the hospitality and leisure sectors.

The target sector categories for this initial ARGSI are of strategic importance to North Kesteven and vital for the sustainability of the local economy and communities in The District. They include: pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and cafes and their supply chain business in the food and drink sectors, caterers and catering supplies; the events sector including theatres, weddings, exhibitions, shows, markets and their supply chains, sporting and motorsports events and their supply chains including manufacturing; the retail supply chain both goods and services and visitor attractions open to the general public.

Eligible business who completed an EOI will be contacted directly by the council while those potentially eligible businesses who did not register an EOI but for which the council already holds data will also be contacted and invited to apply by The Grants Team. Otherwise only businesses trading in the following sector categories should apply for the grant and only if they have not already been invited to do so by The Grants Team.

1. Supply chain business for the Hospitality Sector including food and drink supplies, catering, disposables and transport
2. Retail supply chain businesses (stock goods and manufacture)
3. The events sector and its supply chain including entertainment, theatres, weddings, music, exhibitions, shows and markets. Also sports and motorsports.
4. Travel sector and supply chain including coach tour operators, local tour operators, booking agents, etc.
5. Visitor Venues and attractions open to the general public
6. Rate-paying businesses in the Hospitality Sector including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and cafes.
7. Non-rate-paying business and the self-employed supplying goods and services to the Hospitality and Leisure sector or supply chain.

The window for applications for those businesses not invited to apply or not having submitted an EOI, will initially be open for one week only beginning 22/01/21 in order to disperse funds as quickly as possible. If you believe your business is eligible please apply here. Payments will be made from 08/02/21.

Grant Awards

This is a discretionary fund. Awards will be made in respect of actual or estimated loss of income for the second lockdown period. All applicants must be able to evidence (via annual accounts, HMRC tax return, lost or cancelled orders) a year on year loss of income for the qualifying period. ARG grants cannot be used to support wages or salaries.

Process for applying for Severe Impact Fund

Eligible businesses who submitted an Expression of Interest form will be contacted directly by the Grants Team via email and sent a link to apply. Other potentially eligible businesses (determined by data already held by The Grants Team) will also be invited to apply by email. Other potential applicants may apply via the NKDC website. The live application window will be open for 1 week only, reflecting the urgency of the situation for the eligible categories. Further windows may be opened if funds and demand permit. Business in the eligible categories will be required to submit an online application, providing the information outlined in the NKDC Additional Restriction Grant Severe Impact Policy

20/01/2021

Additional Restrictions Grant (required to close) – deadline for applications – Sunday 31 January 2021

The Council will be opening the Additional Restrictions Grant (required to close) for applications from those affected by the current lockdown period. This grant is aimed at supporting those businesses who rent premises but aren’t the registered rates payer, those who have property costs or those that have been required to close as per Government guidelines.

Those who have already received funding via this grant for the November lockdown must not reapply. An automated payment of £2,001 will be made w/c 18.01.21 to businesses who applied and were eligible for the November lockdown and this will cover the 42 day period of the national lockdown we are in at present. Only apply if you haven’t submitted to this grant previously.

If you didn’t receive funding for the November 2020 lockdown and believe you are eligible, please complete the form and provide trading evidence for the corresponding period. If indeed eligible for the November period, a grant award can be backdated.

The link to apply is as follows https://n-kesteven-ss.achieveservice.com/service/Additional_Restriction_Support_Grant

Please find the policy here – NKDC ARG Required to close Policy (Jan)

The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 January 2021.

For businesses enquiring about grants please note only those in rated business premises have received the Close Business Lockdown Payment, not those who were successful with their applications to the Additional Restrictions Grant (required to close).

19/01/2021

Payments for the LRSG Closed Addendum, LRSG Closed Addendum Tier 4, Closed Business Lockdown Payment and the ARG Required to Close will be made this week, please note that emails sent to the grants inbox will not be read or responded to on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 January whilst the team are processing the payments.

Further details on the ARG Severe Impact will be uploaded on our website on Friday 22 January.

15/01/2021

We have received the guidance and our allocation for the Local Restriction Support Grant CA and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP), we are still awaiting our funding however understand that we will receive this today,

14/01/2021

We have now received the guidance for the Local Restriction Support Grant CA and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP), we are still awaiting our allocation however understand that we will receive this today with our funding being received on Friday 15^th January.

Please note that we will be making an automated payment to all business that applied and were eligible for the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum from the November Lockdown. Payments will be made next week and will include payment for the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum (42 day payment), Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum Tier 4 (5 day payment for the period North Kesteven was in Tier 4) and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) (one off payment ).

For guidance on the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum please see here. If you believe you are eligible for the LRSG (closed) Addendum from the national lockdown in November then please contact [email protected] with your business name and business rates number. Please note we are receiving a high volume of enquiries and will respond to your enquiry asap.

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (open) & Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed)

This grant is currently ceased during the national lockdown. All funds have now been allocated for the period of 3rd December to 30th December for the LRSG (Open), no monies remain.

Additional Restriction Support Grant (ARG) Severe Impact

The ARG Severe Impact is now closed for Expressions of Interest (EoI), the policy is currently being approved and we will be shortly emailing those who submitted an EoI and those who may be eligible asking to supply further evidence for validation. If you didn’t apply, details will be shared on our website on how to apply.

Additional Restriction Support Grant (ARG) Required to Close

An automated payment of £2,001 will be made next week to businesses who applied and were eligible for the ARG Required to Close for the November Lockdown to cover the 42 day period of National Lockdown we are in.

Details will be shared shortly if we will open this up for new applications to cover the current (third) National Lockdown.

13/01/2021

We have now received the guidance for the Local Restriction Support Grant CA and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) and further updates will be given tomorrow.

12/01/2021

We are still awaiting guidance on the grants and our allocation from Government, we understand this should be with us by tomorrow.

NKDC will receive payment from government on Friday and therefore will be looking to make payments from next week. Automatic payments will be made (using the data from previous applications) for the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum (3x 14 day payments), Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum Tier 4 (5 day payment) and the one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

If you believe you are eligible for the LRSG (closed) Addendum from the national lockdown in November then please contact [email protected] with your business name and business rates number.

Please note our Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (open) allocation for 3-30 December has now been fully allocated.

11/01/2021

We are still awaiting guidance on the top up grant and our allocations from Government, as soon as we have this information we will be able to advise on payment dates for the LRSG Closed Addendum and the one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

07/01/2021

Further to the most recent announcement from Government regarding National Lockdown Number 3, the Grants Team is receiving huge volumes of emails in relation to business support funding that will be available. We are awaiting Government guidance on how much this funding will be and how it will be administered to businesses. We cannot tell you any more at this stage, until this information is received. Please do bear with us in these once again unprecedented times, we are working tirelessly to get this information published on our website and to our businesses.

If your enquiry relates to other funding, we will endeavour to get in touch asap. Please review www.businessnk.co.uk regularly – this is where all details regarding future funding schemes will be available as soon as we have them to share with you.

05/01/2021

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (open)

This grant is currently ceased during the national lockdown. If you believe you were eligible for this grant during the period of 3rd December to 30th December please contact [email protected]

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed)

This grant is currently ceased during the national lockdown.

Additional Restriction Support Grant (ARG) Severe Impact

This grant was in support of businesses that have remained open during the second national lockdown (04/11/20 – 02/12/20) but suffered a severe impact due to Covid 19 restrictions.  The ARG Severe Impact is now closed for Expressions of Interest, the team are currently working on the policy and details will be shared later this month on the Grant that will be available to apply for.

Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

North Kesteven District Council has contacted and paid pubs that previously applied to the LRSG (closed) Addendum in regards to the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs. If you have not been contacted and believe you are eligible, please contact [email protected] with the pub name and business rates number. To be eligible for this grant, pubs must derive less than 50% of their income from the sale of food. Pubs must also meet all other conditions set out in the Government guidance for this scheme, which can be found here. Please note this support grant will close on January 31 2021.

Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG) (closed) Addendum

This grant was to support businesses that were required to close as part of the national lockdown between 3rd November to 2nd December. Applications for this grant have now closed, however if you believe you are eligible please email [email protected] with your business name, rates number and premises address. This support grant will close on January 31 2021.

01/12/2020

Local Restriction Support Grant for Tier 3

The Additional Restriction Grant (business required to close) and Local Retriction Grant Scheme (LRGS) are now closed.

11/11/2020

Grant help is being set out for businesses affected by the second lockdown, and North Kesteven District Council will distribute the funds locally in our area.

Called the Local Restrictions Support Grant, eligible businesses directly impacted by the four week lockdown will be able to apply for the funding.

The grant will be available to rated operating business hereditaments that are required to close by Government, as set out in the lockdown restrictions. A hereditament must be rated as of 5 November 2020.

• For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants are to be £1,334 per four weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of between £15k-£51k grants are to be £2,000 per four weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over grants are to be £3,000 per four weeks.

Applications to previous funds will not be considered – all eligible businesses will be required to make new applications.

We will share details on how to apply as soon as we are able to do so. Please keep checking back to this page for updates.

We will also share updates via BusinessNK at twitter.com/BusinessNK, our dedicated BusinessNK Facebook group and via our business e-newsletters. You can sign up for the newsletters at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

To view the latest information from Government, click here www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities

10/11/2020

Grant help is being set out for businesses affected by the second lockdown, and North Kesteven District Council will distribute the funds locally in our area.

Called the Local Restrictions Support Grant, eligible businesses directly impacted by the four week lockdown will be able to apply for the funding.

The grant will be available to rated operating business hereditaments that are required to close by Government, as set out in the lockdown restrictions. A hereditament must be rated as of 5 November 2020.

• For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants are to be £1,334 per four weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of between £15k-£51k grants are to be £2,000 per four weeks;
• For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over grants are to be £3,000 per four weeks.

Applications to previous funds will not be considered – all eligible businesses will be required to make new applications.

We will share details on how to apply as soon as we are able to do so. Please keep checking back to this page for updates.

We will also share updates via BusinessNK at twitter.com/BusinessNK, our dedicated BusinessNK Facebook group and via our business e-newsletters. You can sign up for the newsletters at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

To view the latest information from Government, click here www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-restrictions-support-grants-lrsg-and-additional-restrictions-grant-arg-guidance-for-local-authorities

21/10/2020

Funding available to help businesses adapt after Covid-19

Has Covid-19 changed the way your business operates? If some new equipment or machinery can help you to adapt, then you could eligible for a grant of up to £25,000 from Grants4Growth. The programme provides funding to help Lincolnshire SMEs make business-boosting purchases that can improve their efficiency, increase turnover and add new members to the team. As an added bonus, they promise you a yes or no answer in just two weeks.

Visit the Grants4Growth website to see if you’re eligible.

20/10/2020

Test and Trace Support Payment scheme

If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, you’re under a legal obligation to do so, and could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. This guidance sets out who can claim support and explains how to apply.

02/09/2020

New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas

Workers on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of COVID-19 can benefit from a new payment scheme where individuals must meet the following criteria:-

• Have tested positive for Covid-19 or received a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking them to self-isolate
• Have agreed to comply with the notification from NHS Test and Trace and provided contact details to the local authority.
• Be employed or self-employed.
• Be unable to work from home (checks will be undertaken on all applicants) and will lose income a result
• Be currently receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit.

More information is available here.

24/08/2020

Funding available through the Culture Recovery Fund

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have published guidance that pulls together the various schemes under the £1.57bn Cultural Recovery Fund that is open for applications at the moment. They include:

• Arts Council England Grants- £500m grants for cultural organisations that are at risk of failure because of COVID-19 and who need funding of up to £3m
• Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas – £30m for independent cinemas who provide a year round film programme, that are at risk of failure because of COVID-19
• Arts Council England Repayable Finance – £270m repayable finance for cultural organisations that are at risk of failure because of COVID-19 and who need funding of over £3m
• Historic England – £50m heritage stimulus fund (capital) to restart vital construction and maintenance projects on heritage sites, stalled due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19
• Arts Council England Capital – capital expenditure funding for existing Arts Council capital grant holders who can demonstrate a capital funding shortfall due to COVID-19.

Read the guidance here

30/07/2020

£20 million in new grants to boost recovery of small businesses

Thousands of smaller businesses in England are set to benefit from £20 million of new government funding to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government has today (30 July 2020) announced.

• Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government announces £20 million new funding to help businesses across England get back on track.
• Small and medium sized businesses in England can access grants between £1,000 – £5,000 for new equipment and technology and specialist advice
• Minister confirms new support while visiting businesses and local leaders across Cornwall

Further details here: https://bit.ly/30elrnv

10/08/2020

New funding to double nursing apprentices and help deliver 50,000 more nurses

A new government package worth £172 million will help to train thousands more nursing degree apprentices.

• Nursing careers will be made more accessible through ‘earn and learn’ route.
• Up to 2,000 nursing apprentices are to be trained every year for the next 4 years.

Nursing careers in England will be made more accessible through a new government package worth up to £172 million, which will enable healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next 4 years.

4/08/2020

£20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills in the wake of coronavirus

Two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow their companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic launched on Monday (3 August).

• Government investment in small business training, management and productivity
• £20 million commitment at critical time for small businesses dealing with the impact of coronavirus
• Interested small business leaders are encouraged to sign up

The Small Business Leadership Programme will focus on strengthening decision-makers’ leadership skills, so they are able to address management challenges, some of which, such as remote working, have arisen from coronavirus. The programme will equip business leaders with the confidence and leadership skills to plan for the future of their business, and ensure that they are in a great position to recover from the impacts of coronavirus. Further details can be found here.

31/07/2020

Applications open for £50 million funding to boost UK customs intermediaries

HMRC is encouraging customs intermediaries and traders who make their own declarations to take advantage of the funding now. From Wednesday (29 July 2020), customs intermediaries can apply for £50 million of new funding, first announced in June 2020, to increase their capacity to make declarations ahead of 2021.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which is running the scheme, is encouraging customs intermediaries and traders who make their own declarations to take advantage of the funding now. Further details can be found here.

More businesses set to benefit from government loan scheme

Changes to state aid rules as a result of UK Government and industry lobbying mean that more small businesses can now benefit from loans of up to £5 million under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), it was announced yesterday (30th July 2020).

Previously businesses which were classed as ‘undertakings in difficulty’ were unable to access CBILS because of EU rules. From today, businesses in this category and which have fewer than 50 employees and a turnover of less than £9 million can apply to CBILS.

• government expects lenders to make changes in approvals processes
• over 57,000 businesses have benefitted from £12.6 billion of support through CBILS to date

Further details here: https://bit.ly/3faa5oM

06/07/2020

£10m Tourism SME Kickstart Fund

Government confirms £10 million fund for SME tourism businesses in England that will provide grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt their businesses following the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses can use the funding to pay for specialist professional advice such as human resources, legal or financial expertise, to adopt new technology and online systems or to purchase new equipment. There is no match-funding requirement. Please see here for further information.

20/05/2020

23/04/2020

Financial support for education and childcare

Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations. For more information please see here.

21/04/2020

Billion pound support package for innovative firms affected by coronavirus

UK businesses driving innovation and development will be helped through the coronavirus outbreak with a £1.25 billion government support package, the Chancellor announced today. The comprehensive package includes a new £500 million loan scheme for high-growth firms, called the Future Fund, and £750 million of targeted support for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.

The Future Fund will issue convertible loans to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Future Fund will provide government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.

These convertible loans may be a suitable option for businesses that rely on equity investment and are unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. The scheme will be delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and will launch in May 2020. Find out more about the scheme here.

21/01/2021

Be alert to vaccine fraud!

Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing-looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to [email protected] Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge. COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud Poster

20/10/2020

New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters

A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes. In an initiative between government and the independent charity Crimestoppers, the public can now call a new COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity.

21/05/2020

National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) Covid-19 SME Guidance

NCSC has today published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response. The guidance has been created specifically to support businesses who are relying more heavily on IT services to run their businesses. The NCSC is committed to equipping all UK businesses with the best cyber security advice. The support package includes guidance on home working, video teleconferencing and spotting email scams related to Covid-19. All additional and pre-existing guidance for business can be found on the NCSC webpage.

19/05/2020

Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Don’t give out private information or reply to text messages, and don’t download attachments in emails you weren’t expecting. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HRMC to [email protected] and texts to 60599.

20/04/2020

Protecting businesses from COVID-19 scams

Malicious email attachments, false government grant phone calls and CEO impersonation scams are among a raft of scams undermining businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing risk has led National Trading Standards to launch Businesses Against Scams – a free online training tool to protect businesses, employees and customers from costly scams.

With remote working and many businesses having to stop or diversify their trading practices, criminals are seizing the opportunity to target employees who are isolated from colleagues. Scams include criminals impersonating government officials or a senior member of the business in order to put pressure on employees to give out sensitive information or make payments.

The increased risk for businesses has led National Trading Standards to encourage more businesses to join Businesses Against Scams. The initiative provides free tools for businesses to help upskill and train their workforce, through free online training modules that will help staff identify and prevent potential scams. Businesses can take the training and sign up here.

If a business believes they have been the victim of a scam they must contact their bank immediately and report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud here or by calling 0300 123 2040. Detailed counter fraud advice is available online, including from Scamsmart, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and the National Cyber Security Centre. There is bespoke advice about COVID-19 fraud on the Action Fraud website.

17/04/2020

Covid-19 Cyber and Fraud Protect messages

Advice has been collated by the East Midlands Special Organisations Unit (EMSOU) and is intended to raise awareness among businesses and the public. Advice and information is changing daily as the EMSOU naviagte their way throught the Covid-19 pandemic, so please ensure you only take information from reputable sources.

The topic is specifically Cloud services and covers some tips on how to select a cloud provider, and the importance of checking your security responsibilities. The docment also offers advice on ‘hot topics’ and reporting. Please see here for the comprehensive COVID19 Cyber and Fraud Information Sheet.

02/07/2021

Coronavirus Job Retention scheme

From 1 July 2021, the level of grant will be reduced and employers will be asked to contribute towards the cost of furloughed employees’ wages.

To be eligible for the grant you must continue to pay your furloughed employees 80% of their wages, up to a cap of £2,500 per month for the time they spend on furlough. More information can be found here.

25/02/2021

DIT Internationalisation Fund

The Department for International Trade has launched its new European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) for eligible East Midlands businesses. Match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 will be available for future activity (subject to eligibility and availability).

To secure a grant, you will need to fund a proportion of your costs yourself. This varies according to where your business is based and will be either 40 or 50% of the total cost.

The fund can be used to support areas including (but not exclusively limited to):

• Market research
• IP advice
• Translation services
• International social media/SEO
• Trade fairs (where no TAP funding is available)
• Independent market visits
• Consultancy and other international commercial services

05/01/2021

The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce are providing some short briefings over the coming weeks, for SME’s to better understand the Peer Networks Programme.  The details are all included in the Peer Network Briefing Flyer

09/11/2020

Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking programme for SME leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

Delivered locally by Business Lincolnshire, they want to create diverse cohort groups of individuals to collaboratively work through common business issues. Through interactive action learning, they enable you to discuss your own challenges, gain and reflect on valuable feedback and implement practical solutions to overcome them. For more information please see here – .BL Peer Networks_ 2 page flyer.

20/10/20

Test and Trace Support Payment scheme

If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, you’re under a legal obligation to do so, and could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. This guidance sets out who can claim support and explains how to apply.

16/09/2020

Supply Chain Improvement Programme

COVID-19 and the EU exit mean it’s a turbulent time for Greater Lincolnshire SMEs. Whether customer demand has lessened or suppliers can no longer satisfy orders, external forces are having an unprecedented impact on supply chains.

Business Lincolnshire are offering a Supply Chain Improvement Programme to help get manufacturing businesses back on track. Their experts will use their insight to help you take control of your supply chain, as well as mitigate risks and take advantage of the opportunities presented to your manufacturing business. For more information please see here (9.2020 Supply chain flyer (003)

Manufacturing Transformation Programme

This new and fully funded programme of business support from the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub is designed to help Lincolnshire & Rutland manufacturers recover from the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions, prepare for its future economic consequences and at the same time become more efficient and continue to grow and thrive.

The programme consists of an opportunity assessment with a Business Consultant to identify areas for business development or improvement, up to nine months of Business Coaching support to help make changes or implement improvements and the opportunity to take part in a variety of short targeted training workshops aimed at addressing specific business skills. BLincs Manufacturing Transformation Programme flier long (003)

21/05/2020

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to launch online 26th May

Employers are eligible to use the scheme if:

• They’re claiming for an employee who’s eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus
• They had a PAYE payroll scheme in operation before 28 February 2020
• They had fewer than 250 employees across all PAYE schemes on 28 February 2020
• They’re eligible to receive State Aid under the EU Commission Temporary Framework

To prepare to make a claim, employers should keep records of all the SSP payments they wish to claim for. For more information about eligibility and how employers can prepare to use the scheme, please visit GOV.UK and search ‘Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

15/05/2020

National Business Response Network are connecting business support to community needs in the Covid-19 crisis. This platform allows businesses to offer support on behalf of their business and allows registered charities, businesses, health and governmental agencies to request support on behalf on an oragnisation.

30/10/2020

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme

To celebrate the launch of Bishop Grosseteste University’s 2nd round of funding for Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme they will be hosting a special virtual event on Thursday 5 November to provide information on the grant programme, how it can benefit you and how to apply.

The next round of funding begins in December and is a fantastic opportunity for any third sector organisation and other small organisations who meet the eligibility criteria in the Greater Lincolnshire area. The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme is funded by the European Social Fund and available to third sector and other small organisations who meet the eligibility criteria.

Preference will be given to projects which support people who are long-term unemployed (although any length of unemployment is permitted) or who are distant from the labour market and face multiple disadvantages and profound barriers to work. The event will be taking place over Microsoft Team and you can sign up for your place through the registration form.

28/10/2020

Guidance for working at home

If you are considering operating a business from home, there are certain considerations you should look into:

• Do you need planning permission, if you have any questions rearding planning permission please contact [email protected]
• Do you need to register for business rates
• Does your mortgage allow you to operate a business from home
• Does the covenants on your property allow you to run a business from home

22/06/2020

New tool to help businesses identify whether they can reopen safely

The UK Government has developed a tool to help businesses in England to reopen safely during coronavirus.  This tool encourages businesses to carry out a risk assessment and helps to identify the workplace adjustments that they should make. Employers have the legal responsibility to protect their employees and other people on site, such as customers and visitors. This tool will help businesses to easily find out what they should do. Employees can also use this tool to check what their workplace needs to do to keep people safe.  The tool can be found here.

26/02/2021

Prime Minister sets out roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions

Boris Johnson has announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England.

• Government publishes four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life.
• Each step to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease, starting with the return of schools on 8 March.
• PM is clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data not dates, and government will move cautiously to keep infection rates under control.

Further information can be found here, and you can view the PM’s statement to the House of Commons here.

25/02/2021

New Covid-19 legislation for employers

There is a new offence under the self-isolation regulations for an employer to knowingly allow an employee who should be self-isolating to attend work with a fine of up to £10k per individual breach.

Local authorities have the power to investigate these breaches, and the Covid-19 taskforce is working with NHS and Test & Trace to ensure the exchange of necessary data to support a prosecution following a pro-active investigation. Read the specific employer requirement under paragraph 7, and enforcement under paragraph 11 here.

25/02/2021

Call for businesses to join the National Workplace Testing Programme

The National Workplace Testing programme will identify more positive cases of Covid-19 and ensure the isolation of those who are infected, protecting key workers and our vital services.

The programme is aimed at individuals without symptoms and who cannot work from home during lockdown. Companies in England with over 50 employees can register on gov.uk to order coronavirus tests for their workforces.

Covid-19 Response – Spring 2021

The government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England.

19/02/2021

Bounce back loan borrowers can delay repayments by extra six months

Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back Loans to get through Covid-19 will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans.

• Bounce Back Loan borrowers will now have the option to tailor payments according to their individual circumstances
• Chancellor makes support even more generous with the option to delay all repayments for a further six months

Pay as You Grow will be available to over 1.4 million businesses, which collectively took out nearly £45 billion through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme

11/11/2020

Updated guidance

Guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England: For an updated list of business venues which must close or operate on a restricted basis (e.g., takeaway only) during lockdown in England can be found here.

Guidance for venues: If your venue can stay open during the national restrictions put in place on 5 November 2020 in England, you must follow the guidance on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors in order to support NHS Test and Trace. For more information, please see here.

Guidance for food businesses: Guidance for food businesses in England on how they operate during Covid has been updated to reflect the national restrictions in place from 5 November. Click here for further information.

Guidance for aviation: Further guidance on safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators in light of England’s national restrictions in place from 5 November is available here. 

03/11/2020

Government has announced that England will go back into lockdown for four weeks from Thursday 5 November, to be reviewed following that period.

During this time, the restrictions will:

1. Require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes.
2. Prevent people from gathering with those they do not live with, except for specific purposes.
3. Require certain businesses and venues to close to prevent contact between people.

The Government has published an indicative list of businesses which will need to close. It can be found here: New national restrictions from 5 November. A brief outline is also given below.

Lockdown will significantly impact local businesses and our teams are on hand to offer assistance, including our Business Advisor for those in need of assistance in understanding the restrictions.

Our BusinessNK team will share further information for businesses, including any updates on grant funding, as it is made available. Keep checking back to this website or follow BusinessNK on Twitter.

Our Environmental Health Team can offer guidance for example where there are queries around takeaway and delivery of food.

Businesses which will need to close include:

• all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks,
• entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens;
• personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.

Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Playgrounds can remain open.

Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.

A full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law.

Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities, like childcare and support groups. Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.

A number of public services will also stay open and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include:

• the NHS and medical services like GPs. We are supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.
• Jobcentre Plus sites
• Courts
• Civil Registrations Offices

29/10/2020

Immigration Rules Changes

The way you hire from the EU is changing. Last week legislation was laid in Parliament setting out a number of changes to the Immigration Rules. These changes provide the foundation for the UK’s new Points-Based Immigration System, which will apply from 1 January 2021 when hiring anyone from outside the UK’s resident labour market.

The Points-Based Immigration System will provide simple, effective and flexible arrangements for UK employers to recruit skilled workers from around the world through a number of different immigration routes. The Skilled Worker Route will open for applications from December 2020. In order to recruit overseas workers through the Skilled Worker Route, you must be registered as a licensed sponsor. Getting a licence normally takes around 8 weeks and fees apply. You can find all the information you need here.

01/10/2020

Government to protect small businesses with action on late payments

Consultation launched aimed at giving Small Business Commissioner more power to support businesses and resolve late payment issues

• Government proposals to give more powers to the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) to help small firms with late payment
• Proposed new powers include ordering businesses to pay in good time and issuing fines if they do not, ordering companies to share information on payment practices and the power to launch investigations
• £23.4 billion worth of late payments currently owed to small businesses in the UK, impacting on cash flow and threatening the survival of small firms during the COVID-19 pandemic

Further details here.

28/09/2020

New legal duty to self-isolate came into force on Monday

From today, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

• Legal duty to self-isolate comes into force on Monday 28 September, to ensure compliance and reduce spread of COVID-19
• Support is now available for people on low incomes who are unable to work while self-isolating through the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment
• Fines for those breaking the rules now in place starting at £1,000 and increasing up to £10,000 for repeat offenders

The need to self-isolate can cause financial pressures for those on low incomes and the self-employed. As a result of this the Government is providing a new Test and Trace Support Payment of a £500 lump sum payment for those on low incomes to support them if they cannot work during their self-isolation period.

Applications for this grant are now live through North Kesteven District Council website for those who have lost earned income due to having to self-isolate by law. There are a number of criteria that must be met in order to be eligible for the fund. For more information please see here.

24/09/2020

Chancellor’s Winter Economy Statement – Support to Business in Summary

From the 1st November and lasting for 6 months, the Job Support Scheme will open. It will protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand due to the pandemic. To be eligible employees must work a minimum of 33% of their hours. Employers will continue to pay the wages of staff for the hours they work, but for the hours not worked, the government and the employer will pay one third of their equivalent salary. All employers will be allowed to apply, even if they did not use the furlough scheme.

The Self Employment Income Support Scheme extension will support viable traders who are facing reduced demand over the winter months, covering 20% of average monthly trading profits via a government grant

Businesses who have borrowed under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme will be offered the choice of more time and greater flexibility for their repayments.

Lenders have been enabled to offer coronavirus business interruption loan schemes borrowers more time to make their repayments where needed. The application for all coronavirus loan schemes has extended to 30 November.

Businesses who deferred their VAT will no longer have to pay a lump sum at the end of March 2021 and can instead split it into smaller interest free payments over the course of 11 months.

The 15% VAT cut for the tourism and hospitality sectors has been extended to the end of March 2021.

23/09/2020

Coronavirus – What has changed

The government has yesterday announced further national measures to address rising cases of coronavirus in England.

It is critical that everybody observes the following key behaviours:

• HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
• FACE – Cover your face in enclosed spaces, especially where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
• SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.

There has been changes to the rules around:

Working from home

To help contain the virus, office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. Where an employer, in consultation with their employee, judges an employee can carry out their normal duties from home they should do so. Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary. Anyone else who cannot work from home should go to their place of work. The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.

Businesses

• Businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls, must be closed between 10pm and 5am. This will include takeaways but delivery services can continue after 10pm (from 24 September).
• In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table.
• Customers must eat and drink at a table in any premises selling food and drink to consume indoors, on site (from 24 September).
• Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally (from 24 September).
• Businesses and organisations will face stricter rules to make their premises COVID Secure (from 28 September):

• A wider range of leisure and entertainment venues, services provided in community centres, and close contact services will be subject to the COVID-19 Secure requirements in law and fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches.
• Employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work.
• Businesses must remind people to wear face coverings where mandated.

22/09/2020

New package to support and enforce self-isolation

People will be required by law to self-isolate from 28 September, supported by payment of £500 for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result. New fines for those breaching self-isolation rules will start at £1,000 – bringing this in line with the penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel – but could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most egregious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating.

For example, this could include business owners who threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work, sending a clear message that this will not be tolerated. Full details here.

14/09/2020

04/06/2021

EU Settlement Scheme

The Home Office is advising businesses that the deadline for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (30 June 2021) is nearing.

It is therefore important that all businesses check with their EU, EEA and Swiss employees who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, to make sure that they have already applied or will do so before the deadline so that this doesn’t impact on staffing. See here for more information.

Support is available from citizens advice, you can access this online or by calling 0800 448 0734

26/02/2021

EU Transition

A list of government helplines organised by theme and key actions for businesses has been published online, this is available to view here.

A helpline has also been allocated for additional support, the Business Support Helpline can help identify the actions businesses need to take. For more information call 0800 998 1098.

19/02/2021

DIT Transition Advice for Businesses:

• Business Travellers Explainer: Cabinet Office has produced an explainer document that outlines what UK businesses need to know if they are travelling to Europe for work.
• NEW – Transition Period Helplines: Cabinet Office has published a central Brexit Transition Helplines page, organised by themes and key actions.
• NEW – Rules of Origin Resources: HMRC has produced a slide deck explaining Rules of Origin and the procedures, as well as a flow chart on importing and re-exporting union goods to the EU.  to help businesses understand Rules of Origin and how it applies to their supply chains
• NEW – Right to Work Leaflet: The Home Office has produced a Right to Work Leaflet, targeted at UK businesses hiring EU citizens between 1 January and 30 June 2021. Employers can use this during the grace period to clarify requirements to new and existing EU, EEA and Swiss employees. This provides clear information for individuals on their rights and obligations depending on when they arrive in the UK.

HMRC Transition Videos: HMRC has produced a playlist of videos that outline the new trading processes and requirements that were introduced on 1 January 2021.

BEIS video explainers: BEIS has launched a series of on-demand videos to help UK businesses understand the new rules for doing business with Europe. The videos cover 18 topic areas with additional information for different sectors.  Go here to register for immediate access to the videos.

DIT’s Enquiry Service: DIT’s Enquiry Service is on hand to support your business contacts navigate and understand the changes introduced on 1 January 2021.

12/01/2020

BEIS information packs for Brexit transition

BEIS has provided the following information packs on Brexit transition changes – actions for businesses and Sector specific Brexit transition actions.

17/12/2020

EU Transition support webinars

Stay up to date by attending live webinars to help prepare your business for the end of the EU Transition period. You can also access sector-specific webinars about how to prepare your business here.

• The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office are hosting a webinar on the changes to travel to Europe.
• HMRC customs declarations webinars: HMRC have launched live webinars covering how to complete customs import declarations and how to make import declarations between the EU and Great Britain.
• UK Transition Period: HSE and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 20 January at 10am in preparation for the end UK.
• Department for International Trade webinars: DIT are hosting a series of webinars aimed at UK businesses who import and export goods.
• The Ministry of Justice have published several on-demand webinars for legal professionals discussing legal changes from 1 January 2021.
• Trading with the EU: A video series has been released that explains what businesses need to do to be ready for 1 January 2021. These videos cover what businesses need to know about exports and imports, customs, commodity codes and controlled goods. To view the videos, click here.

Visit the GOV.UK transition webinar page to find out more.

16/12/2020

EU Transition support

To ensure businesses are fully prepared for the outcome of the EU Transition the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub have outlined some useful resources. The first port of call should be the government website  which includes a simple checklist for businesses to determine their own needs. Additionally there is a wealth of tools and resources that can be accessed on the Business Lincolnshire website. If businesses require instant advice and support, our local EU Exit hotline can be contacted on 01522 846946, this is provided by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

11/11/2020

The UK Transition: time is running out

With just 50 days to go until the UK’s new start, attend one of our webinars to help prepare your business.

• Using personal data from 1 January 2021 – 11am, Wednesday 18 November, and the on demand – register here.
• Business travel and and investing or establishing in the EU – 11am, Wednesday 25 November, and then on demand – register here.

Watch other sector specific webinars on demand here and register for all transition webinars here.

For the latest transition information direct to your inbox, sign up to the Transition Readiness Business Bulletin here.

29/09/2020

EU Exit Support from the East Midlands Growth Hubs

This support is open to all businesses across the East Midlands who have been or are likely to be impacted by the UK leaving the EU and the end of the Transition Period on 31st December 2020. Webinars cover a raft of relevant subjects, including but not limited to, the impact of the new Border Operating Model, the new UK Global Tariff, the NI Protocol, and much more. Dedicated 1:1 support will focus on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities unique to participating businesses’ operating models.For more information and to book please see here.

10/09/2020

East Midlands EU Exit Support Programme

The EU Exit Support Programme is a package of individual and webinar/workshop support for businesses across the East Midlands, delivered by The Export Department and fully-funded by the East Midlands Growth Hubs: Business Gateway, D2N2 and Business Lincolnshire.

This support is open to all businesses across the East Midlands who have been or are likely to be impacted by the UK leaving the EU and the end of the Transition Period on 31st December 2020.

Webinars cover a raft of relevant subjects, including but not limited to, the impact of the new Border Operating Model, the new UK Global Tariff, the NI Protocol, and much more.

Dedicated support will focus on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities unique to participating businesses’ operating models. As a minimum, discussions will cover:-

• International contracts and Incoterms
• Customs declarations and documentation
• Customs valuation
• Commodity codes and the new Global Tariff
• Regulation and licensing
• Country of origin protocols
• Existing Continuity and Mutual Recognition Agreements
• Trading under preference
• Complex supply chains

Overriding focus of individual time will be to optimally prepare businesses for changes that will take effect from the 1st January 2021 so that trade can continue with as little disruption as possible.

The link for Eventbrite is listed here and will be available on the Business Lincolnshire website soon.

13/07/2020

Major new campaign to prepare UK for end of the tranisition period

Today (13 July) the government is launching a major new public information campaign, ‘The Uk’s new start: let’s get going’. It will clearly set out the actions businesses and indivuals need to take to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and ensure they are ready to seixe the opportunities that it will bring. Full details can be found here.

28/04/2021

Lincolnshire Police Cyber Crime Unit

The Cyber Protect Team was set up to help protect small to medium-size businesses and charities from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

We provide advice, presentations and planning exercises with businesses and charities to raise awareness of cyber threats and help organisations protect themselves.

All our services are continually revised to make sure they are up to date with the latest security guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The free services include:

• Staff Cyber Awareness Training
• Cyber Security Reviews
• Tabletop Exercise
• Event Attendance

For more information on how Lincolnshire Police Cyber Crime Unit can help businesses please see here.

26/02/2021

Key Worker Testing Sites

Quick-response virus tests are available for anyone whose work currently requires them to work away from home or in a public-facing role. It allows critical workers to quickly identify whether they are fit and safe to work or whether they are carrying the virus asymptomatically.

This means that factory workers, health care workers, shop staff within essential retail, the self-employed, tradespeople and people who work in public-facing roles, alongside others or in other people’s homes can get a free test to avoid the spread of the virus.

The Sleaford site is at Better Gym on East Road, NG34 7EH. It is open from 8am-8pm daily including weekends on a walk-up basis. Anyone who tests positive or has been in close contact with a positive case is require to self-isolate for ten days. For more information please see the section entitled Key Worker Testing Sites here.

Resources from HMRC and BEIS

HMRC has produced a playlist of videos that outline the new trading processes and requirements that were introduced on 1 January 2021.

BEIS has launched a series of on-demand videos to help UK businesses understand the new rules for doing business with Europe. The videos cover 18 topic areas with additional information for different sectors.  Go here to register for immediate access to the videos.

25/02/2021

Business recovery webinars

VisitEngland’s free webinar programme has been developed with businesses at the core.

With the UK travel industry being forced to evolve in response to a constantly changing landscape, the range of webinars provide practical insight and valuable information from within VisitBritain/VisitEngland and across the wider travel industry. Find the full list of webinars here.

17/02/2021

The University of Lincoln is hosting their first Bridge breakfast seminar online event on 24^th February, the theme is The Future of Energy Storage. Please find the agenda attached here.

12/02/2021

Broadband competition for event venues: second round now open

As part of the Tourism Sector Deal and the UK Government’s International Business Events Action Plan, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) launched a new scheme in August 2019 to improve broadband connectivity in event venues, enabling them to receive full fibre access.

The second round of the broadband competition for event venues is now open until 2nd March 2021. Applicants can apply for a portion of £200,000 funding towards the costs of digital infrastructure for their venues. Guidance on how to apply, eligibility and selection criteria for the competition can be found here.

04/02/2021

At the third Jobs Far in January,  GLLEP welcomed over 700 visitors to the live website . 70 exhibitors from across the Greater Lincolnshire area took part, with good representation from different sectors,  similar numbers are expected for the fair in February.

The jobs fair is open to all individuals regardless of age, background or career-stage. For employers interested in registering for their free stand, please see here. The next fair will be on 25th February, 10am-1pm.

Export Academy programme

The Export Academy from the Department for International Trade will help you grow your business by showing you how to sell to new customers around the world.

The course is free, and you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who are on hand to provide support across a range of sectors and businesses, from selling children’s clothes to Spain, to providing PR services for clients in the US. The programme is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000 and are located in either North of England, Midlands or South West. For more information please see here.

27/10/2020

Introducing our new retail adviser

NKDC now offer the service of a Retail Adviser, In addition to his role as business support adviser Phil Means has recently taken on a new position as Retail adviser. He has previously worked in retail management with companies such as Sainsbury’s and Homebase.

Phil’s main responsibility is to support high street businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure, working with them to discuss the challenges they face and what support they require in the current climate, to provide retailers with targeted support. If you operate a high street business and wish to get in touch with any queries please contact Phil. Either call him on 07920 472671 or email [email protected].

08/09/2020

Local grant funding scheme Grants4Growth are celebrating their 200^th grant claim.

The programme, managed by South Holland District Council, provides grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 to SMEs across Lincolnshire. The funding can be used to purchase capital equipment and machinery to help businesses grow, whether they want to increase efficiency, boost sales, reduce costs or add new members to their team. Can Grants4Growth help your business to grow? Visit the website to find out more.

30/07/2020

‘Jump-start’ for UK’s leading creative industries

In a major move to jump start the country’s cultural and creative sectors following lockdown, the Culture Secretary has announced the launch of a Government-backed scheme worth half a billion pounds for domestic film and TV productions struggling to get coronavirus-related insurance.

• Government announces new £500 million scheme to kickstart film and television production struggling to secure insurance for Covid-related costs
• Further detail also released on how £880 million of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will support cultural, arts and heritage organisations
• British Film Institute, Arts Council England, Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund publish guidance and criteria for applicants

Further details here: https://bit.ly/333J9o8

Penalties for not telling HMRC about Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant overpayments

If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out what penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HMRC.

Find out more about when you may have to pay a penalty and other information, including:

• how HMRC decides how much the penalty will be
• when you may have to pay a penalty
• how to appeal against a penalty

Further details here: https://bit.ly/3gaAIey

29/07/2020

PM kickstarts £2bn cycling and walking revolution

Prime Minister Boris Johnson launches ambitious plans to boost cycling and walking.

• PM launches government’s most ambitious plans yet to boost cycling and walking
• Vision commits to thousands of miles of new protected bike lanes, cycle training for any child or adult, and first ever zero-emission transport city
• Launch comes alongside the initial release of £50 bike repair vouchers tonight to encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of active travel

Further details can be found here.

28/07/2020

Innovative nuclear competition launch – are you ready for the challenge?

A £3.9 million competition is today being launched to find innovative ways to sort and segregate radioactive waste at some of the UK’s oldest nuclear sites. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority – including Sellafield Ltd and Magnox Ltd – has teamed up with Innovate UK to call on companies to come up with new ideas and innovative approaches to the challenge.

It is open to any interested organisations – they don’t have to be from a nuclear background – to form consortia and develop a plan to address the challenge. It involves work at Sellafield and several Magnox nuclear reactor sites – the UK’s first generation of nuclear reactor. Further details here: https://bit.ly/3hHtFdt

27/07/2020

The Better Business for All toolkit

The Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership has used their knowledge and expertise to bring together resources from trusted organisations to help guide businesses through the main considerations for restarting your business safely.

This COVID-19 Toolkit provides useful documents such as a risk assessment template and action plan, business checklists and useful guides to help you.

The Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership COVID-19 Toolkit_ aims to help Lincolnshire businesses become COVID-19 secure, resume trading safely, and protect their staff and customers as lockdown is eased.

05/07/2020

Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers

29/06/2020

Visit Lincoln in collaboration with Lincolnshire County Council tourism teams has produced a short video and guidance on reopening for the Hospitality sector following a high demand for information and clarity. Visit here for more information.

24/06/2020

DIT and DEFRA announcement on Food Trade support

A ‘bounce back’ plan of trade measures for the agriculture, food and drink industry has been announced today to help support businesses that have been impacted by coronavirus. The new strategic interventions jointly announced by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will offer immediate support to help businesses in the industry grow their trade activity overseas.

The measures introduced will support producers, manufacturers and agri -tech companies across the food supply chain, from farm to fork as follows:-

• Package of measures designed to turbo charge UK food and drink as the world recovers from coronavirus
• The plan will provide unprecedented help for SMEs and allow them to capitalise on trade agreements being negotiated by DIT with Japan, US, Australia and New Zealand
• Designed in conjunction with business and the devolved administrations, the plan will be driven jointly by DEFRA and DIT

Read the press release here with more information to follow.

19/06/2020

Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus

Temporary changes to the VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 to help businesses manage their cash flow.For more information please see here.

Recovery Roundtables update

Business Secretary Alok Sharma chaired a series of economic recovery roundtables over the last week (10-13 June), bringing together businesses, business representative organisations, regulations and leading academics. Discussions focused on the measures necessary to support economic recovery and ensure we have the right opportunities in place for growth across the country over the next 18 months and beyond. The organisations that participated in the roundtables, alongside the questions that participants were asked to address can be found here.

11/06/2020

Now that businesses are starting to operate again there are some key fire and safety matters for employers to consider.

On your return to work it may be necessary to review your Fire Risk Assessment to ensure that it is current and reflects the way your business now operates. Consider changes such as working practices, stock levels, alterations made to the premises and staff numbers. It is essential that assessments are undertaken and reviewed where there are significant changes in ways of working, processes or building layout. This may include the holding open of fire doors with unsuitable devices, this is not permitted.

Ensure that your escape routes remain available and open correctly – remember, they may have seized up whilst not in use. If you share an escape route remember that those other businesses may not be open. This should be supported with adequate escape signage and lighting to identify the escape routes to be used in event of fire.

Due to the potential increased stock and the period of closure, the amount of rubbish you generate may increase. Care should be taken when dealing with this rubbish as accumulated rubbish outside of the building provides a potential target for arson which could damage your business.

Where staff numbers have changed, businesses must ensure that they continue to provide appropriate staff training. If you haven’t undertaken staff training for some time, on your return ensure that all staff know what to do in a fire situation. If those people with specific tasks have not returned to work, ensure that other suitably trained staff are available. You must consider the needs of lone workers and their fire safety.

Whilst you have been closed have you maintained your premises fire safety features, i.e. fire alarm, fire extinguisher and emergency lighting? Timely maintenance is vital for the safety of your business and those that use the premises.

Business Secretary launches working groups to help unleash Britains growth potential

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is creating 5 new business-focused groups to unleash Britain’s growth potential and create jobs, as part of the government’s plans to help the economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. For further deatils please see here.

20/04/2020

Mental Health support

In such difficult and unpredictable times it’s important to know you’re not alone. GLLEP have assembled a range of mental health resources to support people during this challenging times. If talking to another person can help, call Lincolnshire’s new Mental Health Helpline now on 0800 001 4331 which is open 24/7.

Workforce Matters has also released several resources to help keep your mental wellbeing in check. From tips on coping with social isolation and the move to working from home, to advice for leaders hoping to guide your team during this period of uncertainty, these resources are available to download on the GLLEP website here.

For more resources and advice on taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust’s website.

14/04/2020

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP are working closely with businesses, facilitators and government to support the Covid19 impact on the food chain and support the food sector to continue feeding the nation. The two schemes which are widely promoted and operating now remain as Feed the Nation and SWAP. Deliver to the Nation and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport are also two additional logistics schemes now fully operational. For the latest updates on the schemes please visit the Greater Lincolnshire LEP https://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/

1/05/2020

Visit lincoln have created a blog, the purpose being to give a county platform for businesses and consumer to see the latest tourism/leisure/retail news. The Visit Lincolnshire consumer blog is on the homepage navigation and can be accessed here. The Visit Lincolnshire Business/Corporate blog can be accessed here.

The latest guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary community and social enterprise organisations. This guidance will outline how businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus outbreak.

03/11/2020

Government has announced that England will go back into lockdown for four weeks from Thursday 5 November, to be reviewed following that period.

During this time, the restrictions will:

1. Require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes.
2. Prevent people from gathering with those they do not live with, except for specific purposes.
3. Require certain businesses and venues to close to prevent contact between people.

The Government has published an indicative list of businesses which will need to close. It can be found here: New national restrictions from 5 November. A brief outline is also given below.

Lockdown will significantly impact local businesses and our teams are on hand to offer assistance, including our Business Advisor for those in need of assistance in understanding the restrictions.

Our BusinessNK team will share further information for businesses, including any updates on grant funding, as it is made available. Keep checking back to this website or follow BusinessNK on Twitter.

Our Environmental Health Team can offer guidance for example where there are queries around takeaway and delivery of food.

Businesses which will need to close include:

• all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks,
• entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens;
• personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.

Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Playgrounds can remain open.

Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.

A full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law.

Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities, like childcare and support groups. Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.

A number of public services will also stay open and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include:

• the NHS and medical services like GPs. We are supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.
• Jobcentre Plus sites
• Courts
• Civil Registrations Offices

26/08/2020

Customer logging toolkit

If you are a business or organisation which has been advised to collect customer, staff and visitor details a customer logging toolkit is now available here.