Guidance for the Safe Reopening of Small Businesses

The safe reopening of small and micro businesses following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is being supported by new guidance.

The publication from the Scottish Government provides practical advice for employers on the steps they need to take before and after reopening.

Key measures include:

risk assessments to protect the safety of employers, staff and customers

provision for employees to work from home where appropriate

consultation with employees, trades unions or employee representatives before reopening

infection and control measures such as physical distancing and good hygiene

staggered break and start times to reduce contact between employees

Read the Guidance Now

Fully Funded Business Support to Help Rebuild and Restart Your Business

Many businesses across Scotland are reopening and adapting their business models to reflect the new situation we find ourselves in. It remains an incredibly challenging time for most. But support is available to help your business plan, adapt and survive. Our advisers can offer 1:1 support, we can help you reshape your business model, work through HR issues, re-forecast, upskill in digital, find new markets and more.

Plus, we have a wide range of online guides, video tutorials and expert-led articles on our cornavirus hub to help your business recover and rebuild.

Find out More

Register Your Establishment for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme

You can use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme to offer a discount to diners and encourage them to eat at your restaurant. Find out more about this initiative, who is eligible and how to register your restaurant or establishment.

Click here to find out more

Guidance on Contact Tracing for Close Contact Establishments

Guidance is now available to support customer and visitor data gathering for businesses and other establishments to assist contact tracing as part of NHS Scotland's Test and Protect system.

This guidance applies to any establishment or operator in sectors that provide an on-site service or work in other people’s homes to deliver a service.

Click here to see find out more and download the document

FBM Update Now Available

The latest edition of FBM Update is now available featuring some good news stories from companies who are recovering positively in the current business environment.

This edition features Haar at Home, AJS Production, IT Turning Point, Peachykeen, PowerPhotonics and The Farmer's Son, to name but a few.

Click here to read it now

Falkland Palace - Image Courtesy of National Trust for Scotland

Cultural Venues Start to Reopen

Visitor attractions such as museums, galleries and heritage sites across Scotland can start to re-open to visitors this week

As part of Phase 3 of the routemap out of lockdown, cinemas, monuments and libraries can also now begin to reopen.

As venues start to welcome guests, they are expected to ensure strict physical distancing is in place and for many of these facilities advanced ticketing will be required.

Click here to find out more

HR Support

Are you restructuring your business as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?

Read our HR FAQs on what employers should consider when returning to business.

Click here to read them now

Our Business Advisers Are Here to Help

We understand things may be extremely challenging at the moment whether its dealing with financial issues, supporting your employees or understanding what needs to be in place to enable you to safely reopen.

If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, our business advisers are here to help.

Request a call back now

Support for Childcare Sector

The Scottish Government has announced funding of £11.2m is being made available to support childcare providers with the cost of safely reopening.

The new Transitional Support Fund will help childcare providers in the private and third sectors, including out-of-school care providers, meet extra costs incurred to comply with public health guidance in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Find out more

Helping Farmers Diversify Into Forestry

Farmers and crofters are being offered £1 million in funding to diversify into forestry and help with the fight against climate change.

The money is the first batch of funding from the Agriculture Transformation Programme, a key Programme for Government commitment that aims to support the agriculture sector in helping Scotland meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets.

Find out more

Agriculture Loan Scheme Launched

The Scottish Government has announced a loan scheme to support farmers and crofters through the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

With the additional uncertainty caused by Brexit, the National Basic Payment Support Scheme will maintain vital cash flow for farm and croft businesses by injecting up to £340 million into the rural economy.

Find out more

SUPPORT PACKAGES AVAILABLE

COVID-19 Self-Employment Income Support Scheme FAQs

If you are self-employed, the government has published a few answers to some frequently asked questions.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

All you need to know about the Government's Job Retention Scheme where employers can claim 80 per cent of wages for employees on temporary leave (“furlough”).

Business Rates Support for Fife Businesses

As well as the above grant, businesses are being offered a range of relief or discount schemes. To check if your business qualifies please visit Fife Council's Business Rates Reduction page.

The Creative Sector

Creative Scotland has funding available to help support the country's creative industries against the impact of COVID-19.

Virtual and Local Business Support

We have also put in place actions to allow us to deliver a virtual advisory and workshop service. Plus our experienced advisers can offer free support with a wide range of business matters including continuity planning, managing cashflow and dealing with suppliers.

This service is in addition to the previously announced support listed below:

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Support for Businesses Paying Satutory Sick Pay

More Coronavirus Business Support Available >>

Copyright © 2020 Business Gateway Fife, All rights reserved.
You opted-in to receive our eNewsletter with updates about our services, new guides and tools, and events we're running.

Our mailing address is:

Business Gateway Fife

Saltire House

Pentland Park

Glenrothes, Fife KY6 2AL

United Kingdom

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.