Support for businesses affected by coronavirus

Where to go for information and support for businesses during the pandemic.

To help you, we have put together the following information and links about support for businesses.

Strategic Economic Framework Consultation

We are seeking your views to inform the development of our Strategic Economic Framework. This document will help shape our response to the coronavirus pandemic and sets out how we will promote economic growth in Rushmoor.

We are initially seeking your views on the economic issues and challenges facing the borough, a draft economic vision, the four 'strategic pillars', the driving forces (factors influencing the economy) and key target outcomes.

Economic recovery, development and growth is central to Rushmoor Borough Council's agenda as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The consultation will run until Friday 17 December. Please complete the survey below. To provide any additional comments or to arrange a call to discuss the Strategic Economic Framework further please contact business@rushmoor.gov.uk

The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete.

Complete the survey.

Help from the government

The government has updated its support packages. These are detailed below, however this is an ever changing situation, so for the latest advice please see the GOV.UK - Coronavirus business support pages for more information. 

Below is a summary of the financial support currently available:

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30 September.
  From 1 July, the government is paying 70% of wages, up to a maximum cap of £2,187.50 for the hours an employee is on furlough. From 1 August, the government will pay 60% of wages, up to a maximum cap of £1,875 for the hours an employee is on furlough
• As an employer, you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back an employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
• Deferring VAT and Income Tax Payments, Businesses that deferred VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 were able to either: pay in full by 31 March 2021, join the online payment scheme by 21 June 2021 to spread payments of deferred VAT over smaller, interest free instalments, contact HMRC to make an arrangement to pay by 30 June 2021
• 12 month business rates relief for all retail, hospitality, leisure, estate agencies, bingo halls and nursery businesses in England.  You can find more information on our business rates page.
• Business grants will be available for businesses that are required to close due to either national or local restrictions. Information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on our business grants page.
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme has now closed to new applications
• Coronavirus Future Fund has now closed to new applications
• Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan has now closed to new applications
• Self Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended. If you're eligible based on your tax returns, HMRC will contact you in mid-July to give you a date that you can make your claim from. It will be given to you either by email, text message, letter or within the online service. The online service to claim the fifth grant will be available from late July 2021. You'll need to confirm that you meet other eligibility criteria when you make your claim. You must make your claim on or before 30 September 2021.
• Protection from eviction for commercial tenants who miss rent payments.

Business support

Enterprise Business South

If you are thinking of starting your own business, or are looking for support to help your business grow, Enterprise Business South has introduced new support packages which will provide you with 12 months support, free for residents and business owners in Rushmoor.

 You will receive:

• An initial one-to-one introduction to discuss your business
• Access to your own business adviser for 12 months
• Access to free workshops and master classes
• Free business toolkit and templates
• Business guides
• Ongoing support via email and Zoom for a full year

For more information on how to get your   Rushmoor voucher [1022kb] , email info@enterprisesouth.co.uk or call 0844 2253130.

Other sources of support

We are working with many organisations across Hampshire and if you would like support please contact one of the organisations below:

• Federation of Small Businesses
• Enterprise M3 Growth Hub
• WSX Enterprise is offering business support /advice to businesses and new entrepreneurs across the region for free. For more information and to book a one-on-one telephone appointment, please email connect@wsxenterprise.co.uk
•  Many organisations are currently offering free webinars on a range of topics such as engaging your furloughed workforce to using video for business. To find out how to register for these, visit the Growth Hub's event page.
• If you are looking for temporary work, we have information on the support available on our Employment support for those affected by Coronavirus page.
• In this time of uncertainty, it is important to be aware of scams and fraudulent calls. The government has produced information on how best to Protect yourself from fraud and cyber-crime
• Rehire Project a new digital initiative to support businesses that have made the tough decision to place their workers on furlough or let them go. This initiative allows employers and workers to stay in contact and re-hire their workers when the opportunity arises. Its online tool is free to smaller businesses, charities and the public sector
• Many business representative organisations and trade associations provide support specialist advice for their sector. You can find the full list of organisations on the  Coronavirus support from business representative organisations and trade associations page on the government's website

Other sources of funding

• Innovate UK coronavirus business support package provides continuity grants and loans for SMEs and third sector organisations that face a challenge in continuing existing projects for which they have an award from Innovate UK

Business bulletins

You can also find information and support in our business bulletins and resource guides.

•  Business bulletin 10 February 2021 [840kb]
•  Business bulletin 22 January 2021 [1Mb]
•  Business bulletin 17 December 2020 [649kb]
•  Business bulletin 26 November 2020 [419kb]
•  Business Bulletin 10 August 2021 [729kb]
•  Business bulletin 10 September 2021 [689kb]

Connect with the council's Economic Development team

• If you would like to receive updates and information about business in Rushmoor please register .
• Follow us on Twitter.