Coronavirus Restrictions Fund Opens Tuesday 20th October 

The Scottish Government has announced £40 million in funding for businesses in Scotland affected by the temporary coronavirus (COVID-19) brake restrictions that came into effect from 9 October 2020.

The support funds will be administered by local authorities, providing one-off grants to hospitality and other businesses required to close by the brake restrictions. 

Local authorities, such as Fife, in the second tier level of support, will take applications for a discretionary business hardship fund, with payments of £1,000 or £1,500, depending on Rateable Value, with a smaller grant of £1,000 for businesses with a Rateable Value (RV) of under £51,000 and a larger grant of £1,500 for businesses with an RV over £51,000,  up to a total of £10,000 for eligible businesses operating multiple premises.

The business closure fund will operate as a two-tiered scheme, with businesses in other areas of Scotland who have been required to close completely with a Rateable Value (RV) of under £51,000, eligible to apply for a grant of £2,000 and a larger grant of £3,000 for businesses with an RV over £51,000, up to a maximum of £15,000 in total for any eligible business operating multiple premises.
 

Face Coverings Become Mandatory in Workplace 

The wearing of face coverings has become mandatory in communal workplace areas, such as corridors, canteens and social spaces as of today (Friday 16th October).

The announcement came as the Scottish Government confirmed the current Coronavirus restrictions will remain in place and will be kept under review.

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Job Support Scheme Expanded to Support Businesses Required to Close

The government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

Under the scheme, the government will support eligible businesses by paying two thirds of each employees’ salary (or 67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month. Employers will not be required to contribute towards wages and only asked to cover NICS and pension contributions, a very small proportion of overall employment costs.

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Self-Isolation Support Grant Now Open

FIFE BUSINESS WEEK 2020 WEBINAR

What to think about when creating a website

COVID-19  is forcing many small businesses to consider moving their business online to complement their existing business model.

This webinar will take you right from the beginning in curating your business website. From the need to determine website objectives, the importance of knowing who your audience is, setting clear calls to action and creating engaging content to measuring success.

See all the events and book now at https://www.fifebusinessweek.co.uk/events/

Funding Increase for Adopt and Apprentice Initiative

More financial support is being provided to employers to take on apprentices who have been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.  

Payments for employers recruiting apprentices who have lost their jobs are being increased from £2,000 to £5,000 through the Scottish Government’s Adopt an Apprentice programme.  

The increased payment will help more apprentices find a new employer and complete their apprenticeship.  

Find out more

Finding New Customers With Digital Marketing - A Route Map

Within the current climate, a key concern for many small businesses is how to find new customers as the economy restarts. Find out which digital channels are the best fit for you.

This guide lays out a brief description of some of the key digital channels businesses can use to find new customers, so you can make informed decisions about which channels may be the best fit for you.

Click here to read the route map now

Five Ways You Can Use Email to Communicate With Your Customers During the Coronavirus

During the COVID-19 crisis, digital channels are especially valuable for helping businesses react quickly and keep their customers up to date. Here is a run down on how you can use email to improve communication with customers.

Click here to find out more

Free Online Workshops and Seminars 

Our exciting new events programme is packed with workshops and training seminars which will help you to learn new skills, implement new ideas and improve your operations, as you look to rebuild your business.

Featuring new seminars on key topics such as managing your online reputation and producing your own video content, as well as some of the most popular courses to take control of your website, marketing activities and bookkeeping, we are here to support your business and help upskill your team. 

Find out more and download the brochure now

Our Business Advisers Are Here to Help

We understand things may be extremely challenging at the moment whether it's 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 PACKAGES AVAILABLE 

Business Rates Support for Fife Businesses

The Creative Sector