BUSINESS GATEWAY CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
19th June 2020

Scottish Government Confirms Move to Phase 2 of Route Map


The Scottish Government has announced the movement to the second phase of its route map designed to ease the lockdown measures. This means that from 29th June most shops will be able to re-open to the public whilst ensuring social distancing measures and hygiene rules are in place.

The changes also allow many indoor workplaces such as factories, laboratories and warehouses can also start to reopen however, non essential offices should remain closed.

The construction sector has also been given the green light to move to the next stage of its re-opening programme. 
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund - Apply Online Now


The Scottish Government's Bed & Breakfast Hardship Fund is designed to support small serviced accommodation providers who have not been able to access support through other government backed schemes as a result of their banking status. 

The Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund offers a one-off non-repayable hardship relief grant payment of £3,000.

Click here to find out more

RETURN TO WORK PACKAGE LAUNCHED


The Scottish Government has launched a £230 million Return to Work package to help stimulate Scotland’s economy following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The initiative covers construction, low carbon projects, digitisation and business support and will provide a flow of work for businesses and support jobs. It is funded by the reallocation of underspends from schemes interrupted by COVID-19.  

 Click here to see the new projects featured in the package

FBM Update Now Available

Issue 5 of FBMUpdate is now available to read online showcasing more examples of the superb initiatives and exciting adaptations taking place within businesses in Fife.

Featuring stories and updates from Sign Systems Scotland, McDonald Water Storage, Graham's Dairies, Foodmek, KDM Group and Cairnie Fruit Farm to mention but a few.

There is also details of an exciting new gin being launched by Fife company, Miss G Gorgeous Gin, which has already received much acclaim.

Click here to read it now

Construction Industry Restart Outlined

The Scottish Government has written to all Local Authority Chief Executives and Building Standards Managers to provide guidance on how the construction industry can progress to phase 2 of its restart model.

In the letter Stephen Garvin, Head of Building Standards Division, provides links to guidance documents and the use of alternative evidence and remote inspections

Read the letter now and download the guidance documents

The Latest Cyber Security Advice from  COVID-19

The Scottish Government’s Cyber Resilience Unit is producing a regular ‘Cyber Resilience Bulletin’ for business organisations, public sector organisations, charities and the general public.

The updates are designed to highlight the latest cyber issues, scams and advice. 

The latest bulletin provides insights into National Scams, stats from the National Cyber Secuirty Centre and training courses

Click here to read the latest update

Investment in Local Renewables and Low Carbon Heat

Additional funding of £5.5 million is being made available for renewables projects to contribute towards a green recovery following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Communities will be able to bid for a share of £4.5 million through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which funds local renewable projects.

Click here to find out more and to register now

HR Advice from Business Gateway Fife

Our dedicated HR adviser is available to provide assistance on guidance on any HR and Employee issues you may be facing during the pandemic, however she has provided a few handy links which may provide useful.

Acas gives employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.  Visit their website now.
Business Gateway has a number of free HR Tools and Tips. Check them out now

If you do have an HR Issue please do not hesitate to get in touch

Request a call back now

Back to Business Webinar: Restarting the Tourism Sector in Scotland

Join us on Wed 24th to look at Back to Business: Restarting the tourism sector. Discussing the latest guidance, planning & advice for tourism businesses & answering your questions. 

Book Your Place Now

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:
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
HMRC Tax Time to Pay Scheme
Support for Businesses Paying Satutory Sick Pay
Deferring VAT & Income Tax Payments
More Coronavirus Business Support Available >>
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