As a BID team we will continue to operate throughout this crisis. We will update on official responses from governing bodies and share information on support available from Government for business owners. We are working remotely but remain contactable daily by phone or email.  We are communicating daily with National BID bodies and will update the latest information on our news section and share it live on Facebook and Twitter

During this critical time for you all, we will continue to provide support in any way we can. We will also continue to work with Sefton Council and both Regional and  National agencies on strategies to get through this in both the short and long term.  

All bars, cafes, restaurants and gyms have been ordered to close for the foreseeable future, effective from the 20th of March 

Please follow us on social media for updates as we get them on Facebook  and Twitter

Guide to government support for business

Twelve month business rate holiday

The Government has introduced a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.  You are likely to have already received a letter from Sefton Council, and you should not need to take more action.  This applies to the 2020 – 2021 tax year and the next bill due in April 2020.

If you had not received a letter, or to find out more please direct enquiries on eligibility and application to Sefton Council

Grant funding for businesses

Please note, Sefton have now processed grants worth £14 million to businesses across the region to date.

This is a priority for them and they continue to process new claims.  If you have not received your grant and there is any issues they will contact you in due course to rectify the issues.

If there is any issue with your application they will be in touch, please try not to call to chase payment as this may slow down their ability to process them.  For more information please visit: sefton.gov.uk/business/business-rates/covid-19-business-rates-support-for-202021

Business Interruption Loan Scheme

The Chancellor announced a Business Interruption Loan Scheme, through the British Bank.  This will allow businesses to apply for a loan of up to £5 million.

The Government will cover up to 80% of losses with no fees. 

The first six months of this finance is interest free. 

You are eligible if:

• your business is UK based with a turnover of less than £45 million per year
• your business meets the other British Business Bank eligibility  

The scheme is now open for applications. To apply you should talk to your bank or one of the 40 accredited providers as soon as possible to discuss your business plane.  Please see bank websites for more information. 

Please visit British Banks here to find out more about the rules of applying

Several private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and a further £5 million from NatWest. Please visit individual bank websites for more information. 

Business Insurance reassurance

The Prime Minister, following his statements asking the public to stay away from hospitality venues, has reassured businesses that any imapct on trade with be fully covered under their insurance policies.  

Insurance policies will differ between providers, so it is advised you check your policies and the terms and conditions carefully.  Most businesses are unlikely to be covered for Covid.  

Time to pay tax scheme and Quarter 1 2020 deferrals

The Government has set up a helpline to help businesses and self-employed individuals to receive support with their tax affairs. 

Businesses who are in financial distress and with outstanding liabilities, may be able to receive a bespoke payment arrangement.  

If you feel this may apply to you, please call HMRC on 0800 0159 559

There is advice on Companies House if your business is affected and you need more time to file

Upcoming VAT payments for the first quarter of 2020 will be deferred until the end of the 2020/2021 tax year. 

Statutory Sick Pay Relief

For businesses with less than 250 employees, the cost of sovering 14 days SSP, during employee self isolation, will be refunded in full by the government. 

This will provide 2 million businesses with up to two weeks SSP per eligible employee

Businesses will be able to reclaim expenditure for anyone has claimed SSP due to COVID-19

The Government will work with employers and businesses over the coming months to set up the repayment mechanism. Please keep checking here and we will share infomation as we have it. 

Please ensure all staff absence records are maintaiend along with details of SSP payments.  Employees do not need a Doctor’s note but can obtain an isolation note from 111 or the NHS website.

Government job retention furlough scheme

On the 20th March, the Chancellor announced a business grant to cover up to 80% of staff salaries for those who are not working during the crisis but are being retained on payroll. This is capped at £2,500 per month per employee.   It will cover at least three months and will be extended should it be neccesary.

The Prime Minister urges businesses to keep all employees on if possible, they are comitted to supporting you in supporting your staff. Please consider all options before laying workforce off where you can  

All UK businesses are eligible.  To access the scheme you must 

• Designate ‘furloughed workers’ – those employees that are being kept on but not actively working.  This change of status remains subject to employment law and may be subject to negotiation. 
• Submit the information to HMRC along with details of their earnings. 

On the 12th of May the Chancellor announced the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of October to ease transition back to work.  Employers will pay a percentage of employees wages, who will be able to work part-time.  HMG will ensure the employee still receives the 80%. 

Read the full announcement here: www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october

Commercial Tenancy and Eviction

Commercial tenants unable to pay rent because of coronavirus will be protected from eviction, the government has announced.

These mneasures, included in the emergency Coronavirus Bill currently going through parliament. will mean no business will be forced outof their premises if they miss a payment in the next 3 months. 

Measures support ongoing conversations between landlords and tenants about voluntary arrangements 

Read the full statement here 

Bounce Back Loans

The Government has announced Bounce Back Loans for small business. If your small business has been affected by #coronavirus, you could benefit from a loan from £2k to £50k.

No repayments due in first 12 months
Apply online
Money should reach businesses in days

Free training for furloughed employees

The Government have this week launched The Skills Toolkit, a new online learning platform that packages up a selection of free, high quality courses to help you support and develop employees whilst furloughed.

Find our more about how it can benefit your business here: https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/

Read our post to find out more: https://www.southportbid.com/the-skills-toolkit/

Government Support Helpline

If you have further questions please call the government’s Business Support Helpline.

t: 0300 456 3565

Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm

Or find them on Twitter or Facebook 

Liverpool City Region Growth Platform Information

Please visit the Liverpool City Region Grwoth Platform for up to the minute information for business owners, including sector specific support 

You can email enquiries to localgrowthhub@growthplatform.org

Or find them on Facebook and Twitter

Sefton Council support for businesses and funding information


Social distancing best practice for businesses


The dedicated government website for support

Get Crowdfunding support for your business, fee free