COVID19: Claiming the self-employment grant scheme

4 May 2020: The government have today updated information about applications for the self-employment grant. Self-employed workers have been hit hard by COVID19 lockdowns, the scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months (March to May), and capped at £7,500 altogether. This is a temporary scheme, but Gov.UK suggest it may be extended.

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COVID19: Social distancing is impacting on everyone

Who would have believed that during the third month into 2020 the UK would be socially distancing, High Street retail businesses, restaurant, bars and pubs and leisure businesses all over the UK would have been forced to temporarily close their doors the to general public and every business or personal email sent out would start with “hello, how are you, hope you are OK and I hope you are staying safe”.

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COVID19: Homeworking businesses hit by increased fraud

The number of criminals fraudulently attacking businesses is on the increase. There is a lot of news about individuals being targeted during the current pandemic but there is a huge risk to businesses as well. Homeworking businesses are being hit by increased fraud.

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COVID19: New Bounce Back Loan Scheme – 100% government backed loan scheme for small business

Updated 29 April 2020: Following Monday’s announcement by Rishi Sunak, (27 April 2020) small businesses will benefit from the new fast-track Bounce Back loan finance scheme. The aim to provide loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders. If you are a smaller company who struggled to get a CBILS loan then this could be for you.

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COVID19: What funding is available for my business?

Funding options and criteria available to you during COVID19 can be complex, which is why The Federation of Small Business have simplified the process so you can easily check your eligibility for different schemes. You’ll find tailored information for businesses in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as advice on what you can access if you’re self-employed. Download the PDF guide for your home nation to get started. 

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COVID19: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – emerging issues & answers

Updated: 22 April 2020: Following emerging issues about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from HMRC, the ICAEW has released amended guidance. We have updated our “top 10 questions answered” to include these amendments

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Worrying about affording your monthly car finance during the Coronavirus crisis?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a package of measures covering motor finance and high cost credit agreements to directly support you if you are facing payment difficulties due to coronavirus. Read on if you are worrying about affording your monthly car finance during this Covid19 crisis.

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COVID19: Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool

The Government have announced their new ‘support finder’ tool. If you have a UK business or are self-employed, the aim of the new tool is to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to you during the coronavirus pandemic.

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This is the time to take a Business MOT

We’re part way through the Covid19 lockdown. Easter is over and at the time of writing, we do not know exactly when quarantine will be eased. As the days stretch before us business owners, who may or may not be currently trading, there is time for many to give your company a MOT: to get prepared for the future, whatever this may bring.

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COVID19: Furloughing – Holiday Pay and Annual Leave Guidance

The government have finally given some further guidance on how annual leave and holiday pay will work with furloughed employees, albeit that it was released after close of business on Friday, and only in the guidance notes for employees, so you would be forgiven for missing it.

Here are some of the questions that  have been answered:

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