Flexible Furlough Scheme Now Available As of 1st July, businesses can now bring furloughed employees back to work as part of the government's plan to reopen the UK and kick start the economy. Firms will be given the flexibility to decide the hours and shift patterns of their employees – with the government continuing to pay 80% of salaries for the hours they do not work. Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work. |
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Physical Distancing Update As More Businesses Get Set to Reopen The Scottish Government has published an update to its Route Map in light of the latest physical distance guidelines. In particular, the update provides guidance on how retail and hospitality businesses can mitigate potential risks as part of their plans to reopen. Click here to read the latest update |
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Business Support Fund Closes 10th July The Business Support Fund provides one off grants to eligible business ratepayers to help protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery, however the Scottish Government has announced the fund will close on 10th July 2020. Click here to see if you are eligible and apply now |
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Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund - Eligibility Extended The Scottish Government has extended the eligibility of its Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund, which offers a one-off non-repayable hardship relief grant payment of £3,000. The fund is now available to those owners of B&Bs who have a business bank account and includes some AirBnB operators. Click here to check the new eligibility criteria |
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FBM Update Now Available Issue 6 of FBM Update is now available as we showcase local businesses adapting and preparing for the ‘new normal’ as they reopen, recover or ramp up their operations. FBM Update has been hugely popular over the last few weeks as we share some of the positive good news stories that have been happening in the Kingdom. In this edition we feature Featuring John Young Group Ltd, The Purvis Group, Stag Laser Craft, Ductform, Balgove Larder, Ardross Farm Shop and the Buffalo Farm Click here to read it now |
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Tourism Event - Making Use of Youtube YouTube is the perfect place to grow your own brand, drive traffic to your website,and if you get a large following you may be able to earn money from YouTube ads. This webinar with Digital Marketing Consultant Stephen Whitelaw, will cover the tips/tricks required to jump start your own YouTube Channel. Book Your Place Now |
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More firms can now benefit from the Future Fund More start-ups and innovative firms are now able to apply for investment from the government’s Future Fund Under the scheme, early-stage businesses with growth potential from a diverse range of sectors can apply for a convertible loan of between £125,000 and £5 million to help them through the Coronavirus outbreak Click here to find out more |
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Find Business Support and Funding If you are looking to find out the latest updates, business support and funding available, Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies have created a dedicated website which features dedicated sections on how to restart your business, where to get funding, how to protect works and the latest guidance for every sector. Click here to find out more |
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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 |
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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 Support Grant Business Support Grant applications are already being processed by Fife Council’s Rates Team who are working hard to support Fife Businesses by helping them maintain cashflow. With applications being approved, if you’ve not already, why not check to see if you are eligible. 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 To help support the country's creative industries against the impact of COVID-19, Creative Scotland has its Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development which aims to enable organisations to explore ways of working that will help them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances. Applications opened 30th March 2020.
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: |
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