Below are some of the latest updates which we hope are helpful:
- The guidance has now been updated for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-2/for-businesses-and-advisors/ Access to the scheme has now been opened up to smaller businesses facing cashflow difficulties who previously would not have been eligible for CBILS because they met the requirements for a standard commercial facility. You may therefore consider re-contacting your lender if you have previously been unsuccessful in securing funding. If one lender turns you down, you can still approach other lenders within the scheme. Key eligibility requirements are that you have a borrowing proposal which the lender would consider viable, were it not for the current pandemic, and that you self-certify that it has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Please find attached a guidance sheet by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure regarding business security at a time of pandemic. It includes advice and risks to consider around online security for staff / businesses where employees are working from home, and changes to security where staff are still working on-site.
- Please also find attached a Business Lockdown checklist prepared by The Retailer.
Download your business lockdown checklist here
- The Government has updated their Guidance for employers and businesses around the use of face masks in the community. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19 It includes that there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from the use of face masks outside of the clinical or care settings, where they play a very important role. Public Health England (PHE) does not advise masks in public places and for those working in supermarkets, waste collection, schools and similar settings. PHE recommends that employers should ensure that:
- spaces in the workplace are optimised to allow social distancing to occur, wherever possible
- signs are visible in the workplace reminding employees not to attend work if they have a fever or cough and to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- employees are provided with hand sanitiser for frequent use and regular breaks to allow them to wash their hands for 20 seconds
- Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, has thanked workers and businesses for their support during the coronavirus pandemic. You can find the full article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/business-secretary-appeals-to-everyone-to-stay-calm-and-carry-on-the-good-work?utm_source=c136b033-a9ee-4df1-b058-18894e44c9ae&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
- Take Five have produced a business toolkit to help protect against financial fraud: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/business-toolkit/
- As you might expect, referrals to the county’s foodbanks have soared, in some cases tripled or more, and their employees and volunteers are working long hours to try to support everyone in need, however they are facing shortages which is making things more difficult. Blackburn Foodbank are in need of the following items: Blackburn: Milk (UHT); Tinned Tomatoes; Tinned Tuna; Tinned Meat Meals; Tinned Ham & Corned Beef; Tinned Vegetables; Tinned Fruit. If you can help, you can donate at: Blackburn Foodbank Centre, Oakenhurst Rd, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am until 2pm; Tesco Hill Street, Blackburn, during opening hours; Morrisons in Blackburn Town centre from 8:30am until 18:30.
