{"id":7415,"date":"2020-08-17T09:50:26","date_gmt":"2020-08-17T08:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=7415"},"modified":"2026-01-29T10:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T10:11:31","slug":"coronavirus-financial-support-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-financial-support-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus: What financial support is available for your business?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCoronavirus: What financial support is available for your business?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2020-08-17T09:50:26+01:00\">17 August, 2020<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Coronavirus: What financial support is available for your business?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-financial-support-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/adamprince\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/04\/Adam-Prince-2018-compressed-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/04\/Adam-Prince-2018-compressed-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/04\/Adam-Prince-2018-compressed.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Adam Prince<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s note: We&#8217;ve created an article on the government&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/winter-economy-plan-government-coronavirus-support\/\">Winter Economy Plan<\/a>, which features information on new measures and extensions to existing ones that we&#8217;ve covered below. Read it for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/winter-economy-plan-government-coronavirus-support\/\">latest details on coronavirus support<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With businesses around the country facing increasing levels of uncertainty due to coronavirus, the UK government has announced a series of financial support measures to help them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what does this mean for your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we provide details on the financial support that is available for your business and how you can access it. We cover the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#cut-anchor-link\">VAT rate cut for hospitality and tourism businesses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#bounce-anchor-link\">Bounce Back Loan Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#self-anchor-link\">Self-Employment Income Support Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#job-anchor-link\">Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#bonus-anchor-link\">Job Retention Bonus\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#business-anchor-link\">Coronavirus&nbsp;Business&nbsp;Interruption Loan&nbsp;Scheme\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#large-anchor-link\">Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#future-anchor-link\">Future Fund<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#grants-anchor-link\">Grants and loans for SMEs focused on research and development<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#sick-anchor-link\">Reimbursement of&nbsp;Statutory Sick Pay<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#vat-anchor-link\">VAT deferral\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#tax-anchor-link\">Income Tax deferral for&nbsp;self-employed&nbsp;individuals<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#hmrc-anchor-link\">HMRC Time to&nbsp;Pay<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#small-anchor-link\">\u00a310,000 Small&nbsp;Business Grant&nbsp;Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#retail-anchor-link\">\u00a325,000 Retail&nbsp;and Hospitality&nbsp;Grant Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#holiday-anchor-link\">Business rates&nbsp;holiday<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#ban-anchor-link\">Ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#charity-anchor-link\">Charity sector funding support<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve also spoken to decision makers at small and medium-sized businesses to get their views on coronavirus, how it&#8217;s impacted their companies, and the support provided by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll find the survey results in our report, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/-\/media\/files\/sagedotcom\/uk\/documents\/pdf\/corona-hub\/sage-3-months-on-learnings-from-lockdown-report-june-2020.pdf\">3 months on: Learning from lockdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-b8f54678-434a-456d-88cb-b8875a469bc5\">Download your free Managing Uncertainty guide to help you create business continuity plans that keep your company moving during uncertain times<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cut-anchor-link\">VAT rate cut for hospitality and tourism businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/rishis-plan-for-jobs-will-help-britain-bounce-back\">cut in VAT<\/a> that will be in place for six months, starting from 15 July 2020 and ending on 12 January 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is eligible?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses within the hospitality and tourism sector (including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, B&amp;Bs, and entertainment attractions) are eligible for the VAT rate cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What it covers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>VAT is being cut from 20% to 5% on most goods and services supplied by the tourism and hospitality sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cut is applicable for accommodation, admission to entertainment attractions, non-alcoholic drinks, and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no need to apply. We&#8217;ve created an article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/summer-statement-announcements-businesses\/\">Summer Statement<\/a> from the chancellor and it features more details on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/summer-statement-announcements-businesses\/#vat-anchor-link\">changes to VAT<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bounce-anchor-link\">Bounce Back Loan Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A loan scheme offering support to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by coronavirus. The scheme is being delivered by a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-schemes\/bounce-back-loans\/current-accredited-lenders-and-partners\/\">accredited lenders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the UK are eligible for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan\">Bounce Back Loan Scheme<\/a>. Another eligibility clause is that your business was not an &#8216;undertaking in difficulty&#8217; on 31 December 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, if your business is already claiming funds via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-financial-measures-businesses\/\">Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme<\/a>, you won\u2019t be eligible for this loan scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you\u2019ve received a loan up to \u00a350,000 via that scheme and want to transfer it to the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, you have until 4 November 2020 to arrange this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the following businesses aren&#8217;t eligible for this scheme:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>State-funded primary and secondary schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grant-funded further education institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public sector bodies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banks, insurers and reinsurers (not including insurance brokers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs can borrow between \u00a32,000 and \u00a350,000 as part of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Businesses can apply for a loan for 25% of their turnover up to the maximum of \u00a350,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The loans have a 100% guarantee from the government and there\u2019s no interest or fees to pay for the first 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The term of the loans are six years and businesses don&#8217;t need to make repayments for the first 12 months. The interest rate for the loan is set at 2.5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bounce Back Loan Scheme launched on 4 May 2020. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-schemes\/bounce-back-loans\/for-businesses-and-advisors\/\">apply for it<\/a>, choose one of the accredited lenders, which includes high-street banks, and check their lending requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, choose your own lender for this process. If you find you can&#8217;t get the finance you need, approach one of the other lenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also need access to the following information about your business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company registration number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business account number and sort code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estimated annual turnover<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to fill in a short loan application form online (including the details above if required).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your application is approved, you should receive the funds in your account within a matter of days (it could be within 48 hours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"self-anchor-link\">Self-Employment Income Support Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A grant scheme aimed at self-employed people or members of a partnership in the UK whose businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. It&#8217;s similar, but not identical, to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme\">two grants<\/a>. If you\u2019re eligible for the scheme, you can claim one grant or you can go for both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is eligible?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-employed people or members of a partnership in the UK are eligible for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-financial-measures-self-employed\/\">Self-Employment Income Support Scheme<\/a>. However, there are further criteria to be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than half your taxable income must come from self-employment (including partnership income), you need to have traded (through your own business or as part of a partnership) in the 2019\/20 tax year, and you must intend to continue to trade in the 2020\/21 tax year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to either still be trading or had intended to be trading but changed your plans due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your trading profit (either in 2018\/19 or the average of the tax years you worked during tax years 2016\/17, 2017\/18 and 2018\/19) must be \u00a350,000 or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to have submitted your 2018\/19 Self Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC has an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tax.service.gov.uk\/self-employment-support\/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference\">online tool<\/a> that you can use to check whether you\u2019re eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What it covers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two grants are available and each one covers the equivalent of three months of trading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first grant, you were able to claim 80% of your average earnings for three months. This was capped at \u00a32,500 per month, and could have been worth a total of \u00a37,500, but was calculated by taking a basic average of your taxable profits. You were able to claim this grant up to 13 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the second grant, you can claim 70% of your average earnings for three months. This is capped at \u00a32,190 per month, meaning it could be worth a total of \u00a36,570. Like the first grant, it\u2019s also calculated by taking a basic average of your taxable profits. You can claim the second grant now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once HMRC has calculated what your grant total is, the funds will be transferred into your account as a lump sum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How your business can access it<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that, unlike some of the other grants mentioned in this article, these grants are not automatically provided to you. Application is necessary via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tax.service.gov.uk\/self-employment-support\/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference\">HMRC\u2019s online portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications for the first grant began on 13 May 2020 and closed on 13 July 2020. For the second grant, applications are open now and it will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme\">close on 19 October 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to your National Insurance number, Unique Taxpayer Reference and Government Gateway details, you\u2019ll need your bank sort code and account number when making a claim, so HMRC can transfer the funds to your bank account if your claim is successful \u2013 and you\u2019ll learn the result immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The funds will be paid into your account within six working days of making a successful claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you keep a record of the grants (no matter whether you claim one or both), in line with your self-employment record keeping, as you\u2019ll need to report on them in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/file-a-tax-return-online\/\">Self Assessment tax return<\/a>. Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/payroll-software\/small-business\/\">payroll software for small business<\/a> can help manage these records efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also should only claim if you\u2019ve genuinely lost out due to coronavirus disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-b8f54678-434a-456d-88cb-b8875a469bc5\">Download your free Managing Uncertainty guide to help you create business continuity plans that keep your company moving during uncertain times<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"job-anchor-link\">Coronavirus Job&nbsp;Retention Scheme\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This scheme has been set up to support employers whose businesses have been affected by coronavirus and help them continue to pay the wages of staff who would otherwise have been let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All UK businesses, including charities, are eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. There isn\u2019t a cap on the number of workers who can be selected for the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are now two phases to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first phase, which is active now, the government is reimbursing 80% of furloughed workers\u2019 wages, up to \u00a32,500 per employee per month. Your business can top up these salaries if you wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your workers need to be currently working in your business \u2013 and not have been laid off or made redundant \u2013 in order for you to access the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If required, they can take on other jobs with other businesses; doing so won\u2019t impact on this cover \u2013 but they can\u2019t do any work for the employer who claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of May 2020, the chancellor announced details of the second phase of the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1 July 2020, businesses will be able to bring furloughed employees back to work under the \u2018flexible furlough\u2019 part of the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Individual businesses can decide on the hours and shift patterns that returning employees do on their return (on a flexible part-time basis). Businesses will be responsible for paying the wages of these employees while they are in work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, they can claim the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant for normal hours that aren\u2019t worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between 1 August 2020 until the end of October 2020, businesses will increasingly be required to contribute to the scheme alongside the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crucially, furloughed staff will still receive 80% of their salaries covering the period when they\u2019re unable to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what this will look like for your business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>June:<\/strong> The government pays 80% of wages, capped at \u00a32,500. It also pays employer National Insurance and pension contributions. Employers don\u2019t have to pay anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>July:<\/strong> The government pays 80% of wages, capped at \u00a32,500. It also pays employer National Insurance and pension contributions. Employers don\u2019t have to pay anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>August:<\/strong> The government pays 80% of wages, capped at \u00a32,500. Employers have to pay for employer National Insurance and pension contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>September:<\/strong> The government pays 70% of wages, capped at \u00a32,187.50. Employers have to pay for employer National Insurance and pension contributions, and 10% of wages \u2013 with the 70% from the government, this makes up the 80% total, capped at \u00a32,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>October:<\/strong> The government pays 60% of wages, capped at \u00a31,875. Employers have to pay for employer National Insurance and pension contributions, and 20% of wages \u2013 with the 60% from the government, this makes up the 80% total, capped at \u00a32,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first phase of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will close to new entrants on 30 June 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, to complete the minimum furlough period before this date, if your business wanted to add new employees to the scheme, you needed to do so by 10 June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will close at the end of October 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme\">HMRC\u2019s online portal<\/a> and reimbursement system to make a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you need to designate affected employees as \u2018furloughed workers\u2019 and notify your employees of this change. These changes remain subject to existing employment law.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, submit information about the employees that have been furloughed to HMRC, including salary details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the first phase of the scheme, HMRC will reimburse 80% of furloughed workers\u2019 wages, as highlighted above, within six working days after you\u2019ve made a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further details on the next phase of the scheme can be found in this article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-faq\/\">Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme FAQ: What it means for employers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bonus-anchor-link\">Job Retention Bonus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bonus payment to incentivise employers to keep on furloughed employees after bringing them back to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All businesses that have furloughed staff as part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-faq\/\">Job Retention Scheme<\/a>, which concludes at the end of October 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business brings <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/flexible-furlough-payroll-processes\/\">furloughed employees<\/a> back and they are working continuously for you between November 2020 and January 2021 (employees need to be earning an average of at least \u00a3520 in each month), your company will receive a one-off bonus of \u00a31,000 for each employee in February 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the chancellor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/speeches\/a-plan-for-jobs-speech\">nine million people have been furloughed<\/a>, meaning the Job Retention Bonus could cost the government up to \u00a39bn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The government will share more details in due course, most likely during the Autumn Budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"business-anchor-link\">Coronavirus&nbsp;Business&nbsp;Interruption Loan&nbsp;Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A loan scheme that has been set up to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are struggling with cash flow because of revenues that have been deferred or lost due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/coronavirus\/\">coronavirus<\/a> outbreak. The loans are being offered on generous terms to support SMEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Any UK-based business that has a&nbsp;turnover less than \u00a345m is eligible for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Businesses are eligible if they have been disrupted by coronavirus and need to self-certify that this is the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme allows SMEs to access a loan between \u00a31,000 and \u00a35m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The loan scheme covers several business financing services, including term loans,&nbsp;overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finance terms are up to six years for loans and asset finance facilities. For overdrafts and invoice finance facilities, terms are up to three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The loans are offered through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils\/accredited-lenders\/\">number of finance&nbsp;providers<\/a> and are backed by a government guarantee that covers up to 80% of the balance. This will enable lenders to turn &#8216;no&#8217; financing decisions into more &#8216;yes&#8217; decisions\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interest and fees for the loans will be paid by the government for the first 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is available now and is operated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils\/accredited-lenders\/\">more than 40 accredited lenders<\/a>, including high street banks that offer services to SMEs. Your first step should be to speak to your current banking provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To access the funding, you need to confirm that your turnover is less than \u00a345m. You also have to provide a borrowing proposal that would be considered&nbsp;viable by the lender if the coronavirus disruption was taken out of the equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, you need to demonstrate that the provision of finance will allow your business to trade out of any short to medium term difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lenders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-2\/current-accredited-lenders-and-partners\/\">won\u2019t ask you for personal guarantees<\/a> on savings or property for loans that are less than \u00a3250,000. For loans that are more than this amount, banks might ask for personal guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth remembering that the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"large-anchor-link\">Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/coronavirus-financial-measures-businesses\/\">loan scheme<\/a> that has been set up to help large businesses that are struggling with cash flow due to revenues being deferred or lost due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To be eligible, businesses need to have an annual turnover that&#8217;s more than \u00a345m and business activity has to be based in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme is open to businesses that have been affected by coronavirus and can\u2019t secure regular commercial funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies from all sectors can apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme, however the following are not eligible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Banks and building societies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public sector organisations (this includes primary and secondary schools)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employer, professional, religious and political membership organisations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trade unions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/larger-businesses-to-benefit-from-loans-of-up-to-200-million\">amends to the scheme<\/a> from the government, from 26 May 2020, eligible businesses can borrow up to 20% of their turnover, with a cap of \u00a3200m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Under the current setup, for large businesses with an annual turnover that is between \u00a345m and \u00a3250m, banks can offer loans of up to \u00a325m, which are backed by an 80% guarantee from the government.&nbsp;And for those companies with an annual turnover that exceeds \u00a3250m, loans of up to \u00a350m will be available to them.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If businesses want to borrow more than \u00a350m, they will be subject to restrictions on dividend payments, senior pay and share buy-backs during the period of the loan, including a ban on dividend payments and cash bonuses, except where they were previously agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any lenders who wish to offer larger loans will be required to undergo further accreditation checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lenders will carry out the usual credit risk checks. However, the aim of the government guarantee is to enable more \u2018no\u2019 decisions to become \u2018yes\u2019 outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Short-term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance are the products included in the scheme, and will be offered at commercial rates of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business is eligible, you can access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme now (and as mentioned above, the extended version of the scheme comes into play on 26 May 2020). A list of approved lenders has been provided by the British Business Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businesssupport.gov.uk\/coronavirus-large-business-interruption-loan-scheme\/\">access the funding<\/a>, you need to confirm your annual business turnover exceeds \u00a345m. You must provide a borrowing proposal that would be considered viable by the lender if the coronavirus disruption was taken out of the equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-b8f54678-434a-456d-88cb-b8875a469bc5\">Download your free Managing Uncertainty guide to help you create business continuity plans that keep your company moving during uncertain times<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"future-anchor-link\">Future Fund<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u00a3500m loan scheme aimed at high-growth businesses, which was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/billion-pound-support-package-for-innovative-firms-hit-by-coronavirus\">launched by the government<\/a> in April 2020. The Future Fund has been created to ensure eligible businesses can access the investment they require to keep functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>High-growth businesses that are unlisted UK registered companies. In the past five years, they must have previously raised a minimum of \u00a3250,000 in equity investment from third-party investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Future Fund is being delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and the funding can only be used for working capital purposes. The government is committing \u00a3250m to the fund and may increase this figure if required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The government is making unsecured bridge funding available for the scheme, which has to at least be matched by private investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Loans to eligible companies can only make up a maximum of 50% of the bridge funding that is offered \u2013 investors have to provide the remaining amount (and can exceed this if they wish).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the company\u2019s next qualifying funding round, the bridge funding will <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/880119\/Convertible_Loan_Key_Terms_-__Final_Version_.pdf\">convert into equity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Future Fund scheme opened for applications on 20 May 2020. It will run until the end of September 2020, although this end date could be extended in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The application process is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-schemes\/future-fund\/faqs-for-investors\/\">investor led<\/a>, rather than your company leading on it. This means the investor, or the lead investor of a group of investors, needs to apply for the Future Fund in connection with your business (as long as you&#8217;re eligible for the scheme). Applications can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-futurefund.co.uk\/s\/\">made online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once an application has been initiated, your business needs to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/ourpartners\/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-schemes\/future-fund\/faqs-for-companies\/\">confirm the accuracy<\/a> of the investment application details provided, before submitting the full application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an application is approved, all parties will <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/885821\/convertible-loan-agreement.pdf\">execute an agreement<\/a> and satisfy certain conditions set out in the agreement before the funds are released. Investors and the Future Fund will both invest using a convertible loan agreement, which is predefined and can&#8217;t be negotiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grants-anchor-link\">Grants and loans for SMEs focused on research and development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u00a3750m funding pot for small and medium-sized business that are driving research and development (R&amp;D), which was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/billion-pound-support-package-for-innovative-firms-hit-by-coronavirus\">announced by the government and Innovate UK<\/a> in April 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The targeted support is for the most R&amp;D-intensive small and medium-sized businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The funding will be available via Innovate UK\u2019s grant and loan scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the financial support, grants and loans will be made available for Innovate UK\u2019s existing customers. Meanwhile, \u00a3175,000 of support will be offered to approximately 1,200 businesses that aren\u2019t currently in receipt of funding from&nbsp;Innovate UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first payments will be made by the middle of May 2020. Payments will be made to Innovate UK customers that have opted in for the funding. Details for businesses that aren\u2019t customers of Innovate UK will be revealed in due course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sick-anchor-link\">Reimbursement of&nbsp;Statutory Sick Pay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/statutory-sick-pay-guide\/\">Statutory Sick Pay<\/a> (SSP) is paid by employers to employees who are off work because of sickness. The government has said it will reimburse employees who have to make payments in light of coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses based in the UK that employ fewer than 250 UK employees&nbsp;as of 28&nbsp;February 2020 are eligible to have Statutory Sick Pay reimbursed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be able to reclaim <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/statutory-sick-pay\">Statutory Sick Pay<\/a> for those employees&nbsp;who have been unable to work because of coronavirus. It\u2019s up to two weeks&nbsp;of sickness absence per employee\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any employees who are unable to work due to coronavirus are able to claim Statutory Sick Pay from day one rather than the usual day four of sickness, following a temporary change by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business will be able to make claims via a new HMRC online service from 26 May 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll receive repayments at the relevant rate of Statutory Sick Pay that you&#8217;ve paid to current or former employees for eligible periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax agents will also be able to make claims on behalf of employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you keep records of absences and payments of Statutory Sick Pay to employees claiming due to coronavirus in case you need to present them in order to get your payments reimbursed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vat-anchor-link\">VAT deferral\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chancellor has announced that businesses are able to defer VAT payments for a three month period in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All UK businesses are eligible for the deferred VAT payments.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business can defer VAT payments for the period from 20 March 2020 to 30 June 2020. You\u2019re not required to make a VAT payment during this time period and have until the end of the 2020\/21 tax year to pay any liabilities that are accumulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no need to apply for the deferred VAT payments as it\u2019s an automatic offer. You don\u2019t need to make a VAT payment by 30 June 2020 if you don\u2019t&nbsp;wish to \u2013 you now have an extended deadline of the end of the 2020\/21 tax year. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the government&nbsp;as usual.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tax-anchor-link\">Income Tax deferral for&nbsp;self-employed&nbsp;individuals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The chancellor has announced that all individuals who pay Income Tax on the profits from their self-employment are able to defer any payments due by 31 July 2020 until the end of January 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It covers Self Assessment Income Tax payments. They are usually due on 31 July. However, in this case, those payments are now deferred until 31 January 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no need to apply for the Income Tax deferral as it\u2019s an automatic offer. You don\u2019t need to make an Income Tax payment by 31 July 2020 if you don\u2019t&nbsp;wish to \u2013 you now have an extended deadline of 31&nbsp;January 2021. Income Tax refunds will be paid by the government&nbsp;as usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hmrc-anchor-link\">HMRC Time to&nbsp;Pay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time to Pay is an existing HMRC scheme that allows businesses in financial distress to receive more time to settle&nbsp;financial obligations to HMRC. However, they must show that they have a reasonable ability&nbsp;to make their payments in the future\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All UK businesses are eligible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/difficulties-paying-hmrc\">HMRC\u2019s Time to Pay scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business (or you are self-employed) is struggling to meet outstanding tax obligations due to financial difficulties, you can contact HMRC to see if you are eligible for support via its Time to Pay scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This service has been scaled up to support more businesses and self-employed individuals due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business (or as a self-employed individual) has missed a tax payment or you\u2019re concerned about making your next tax payment due to the impact of coronavirus, you can contact HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call the helpline number, on 0800 0159 559, to see if you are eligible for Time to Pay support. Help from HMRC is assessed on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"small-anchor-link\">\u00a310,000 Small&nbsp;Business Grant&nbsp;Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A scheme offering a one-off \u00a310,000 grant to eligible small businesses. Note that the requirements to receive the grant will depend on where your business is located in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Small Business Grant Scheme covers 700,000 of the UK\u2019s smallest businesses. Your business must occupy a property in order to receive the grant. There are regional requirements to be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>England:<\/strong> Your business <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19\/covid-19-support-for-businesses\">is eligible<\/a> if you already receive small business rate relief and\/or rural rate relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scotland:<\/strong> Your business <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.scot\/news\/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business\/\">is eligible<\/a> if you\u2019re in receipt of the small business bonus scheme or rural relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wales:<\/strong> If your business has a rateable value that\u2019s less than \u00a312,000, you are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Northern Ireland:<\/strong> If your business have a net annual value that\u2019s up to \u00a315,000, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/covid-19-guidance-information-for-ni-businesses-employers\">you\u2019re eligible<\/a> for the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The grant can be used to cover ongoing business costs in light of the coronavirus and its impact on your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Local authorities in England have been instructed to write to businesses who are&nbsp;eligible to receive this grant.\u200b It\u2019s worth checking your local authority website for more information and guidance on when your business can expect to receive the grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s expected that local authorities will automatically pay the grant to eligible businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your company is eligible but you\u2019re concerned your local authority doesn\u2019t have your business bank details so it can make a grant payment, contact them for guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"retail-anchor-link\">\u00a325,000 Retail&nbsp;and Hospitality&nbsp;Grant Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A scheme offering a one-off \u00a325,000 grant to eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Note that the requirements to receive the grant will depend on where your business is located in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme covers businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. There are regional requirements to be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>England:<\/strong> Your business needs to have a rateable value between \u00a315,001&nbsp;and \u00a351,000\u200b <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19\/covid-19-support-for-businesses\">to be eligible<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scotland: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.scot\/news\/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business\/\">To be eligible<\/a>, your business needs to have a rateable value between \u00a318,000 and \u00a351,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wales: <\/strong>Your business needs to have a rateable value between \u00a312,001 and \u00a351,000&nbsp;to be eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Northern Ireland: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/covid-19-guidance-information-for-ni-businesses-employers\">To be eligible<\/a>, your business needs to have a rateable value up to \u00a351,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The grant covers businesses and properties that are wholly or mainly being used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments,\u00a0cinemas and live music venues\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For assembly and leisure\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As hotels, guest and boarding premises, and self-catering\u00a0accommodation\u200b.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the rateable value of your business is below the figures highlighted above for your region, you won\u2019t receive the one-off grant of \u00a325,000. However, if eligible, you will receive the \u00a310,000 grant from the Small Business Grant Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Local authorities in England have been instructed to write to businesses who are&nbsp;eligible to receive this grant.\u200b It\u2019s worth checking your local authority website for more information and guidance on when your business can expect to receive the grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s expected that local authorities will automatically pay the grant to eligible businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your company is eligible but you\u2019re concerned your local authority doesn\u2019t have your business bank details so it can make a grant payment, contact them for guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-b8f54678-434a-456d-88cb-b8875a469bc5\">Download your free Managing Uncertainty guide to help you create business continuity plans that keep your company moving during uncertain times<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"holiday-anchor-link\">Business rates&nbsp;holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses in a number of eligible sectors (highlighted below) don\u2019t have to pay business rates for 12 months, covering the 2020\/21 tax period. This will support them as they work to maintain property payments and cover ongoing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The business rates holiday is applicable to companies in the retail, hospitality, leisure or early years sectors. It has been extended to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/covid-19-estate-agents-lettings-agencies-and-bingo-halls-to-pay-no-business-rates-this-coming-financial-year\">estate agents, letting agencies and bingo halls<\/a> that have also been impacted by coronavirus and required to close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The requirements may differ depending on your location (such as for Northern Ireland where the business rates holiday is for three months \u2013 April, May and June 2020). Here is more information for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.scot\/news\/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business\/\">Scotland<\/a>, Wales and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/covid-19-guidance-information-for-ni-businesses-employers\">Northern Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The grant covers businesses and properties that are wholly or mainly being used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live\u00a0music venues\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estate agents, letting agencies and bingo halls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For assembly and leisure\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering\u00a0accommodation\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occupied by providers on Ofsted\u2019s Early Years Register\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the provision of the Early Years Foundation\u00a0Stage.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The government has confirmed that businesses who received the retail discount&nbsp;in the 2019\/20 tax year will be rebilled by their local authority as soon as&nbsp;possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No action should be required as these changes should be made automatically for&nbsp;your next council tax bill for April 2020.\u200b However, in some cases local authorities may have to reissue your bill&nbsp;automatically to exclude the business rate charge\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local authorities will be providing updated guidance for businesses\u200b. It\u2019s worth checking the website of your local authority for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can estimate what your business will save from this relief by using the government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/calculate-your-business-rates\">business rates calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ban-anchor-link\">Ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A legal ban on landlords evicting commercial tenants solely due to missing a rent payment due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All businesses renting property who are unable to pay their rent due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rent will be due as normal, however this moratorium on evictions prevents landlords from enforcing the eviction of a commercial tenant for the next three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No action should be required as the courts will not process any claims for commercial evictions during this time\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"charity-anchor-link\">Charity sector funding support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Funding support for charities that are supporting vulnerable people, providing key services or working in the heart of local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is eligible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontline charities that need support during the coronavirus outbreak are eligible for charity financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u00a3750m package of financial support has been made available by the Treasury for frontline charities across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Government departments will be offering \u00a3360m of the funding, which will be directly allocated to charities that are providing key services and support vulnerable people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes hospices, charities that support domestic abuse victims, St John\u2019s Ambulance, Citizens Advice, and charities supporting vulnerable children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, \u00a3370m will be available for smaller charities, including through a grant that will go to the National Lottery Community Fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This support will be aimed at smaller organisations at the heart of local communities that are offering vital services to people during the coronavirus outbreak by providing financial advice, and delivering food and medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the government pledged to match funds raised for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/bignightin\">BBC\u2019s Big Night In charity appeal<\/a>, with a contribution of at least \u00a320m that will go to the National Emergencies Trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your business can access it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The government will pay grants directly to any large charities that are delivering essential services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Small charities that are working in local communities can apply for funding through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk\/\">National Lottery Community Fund<\/a> once the coronavirus grant pot is up and running in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion on financial support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a series of financial support measures on the table, it\u2019s worth exploring which ones your business is eligible for and taking steps (where required) to get the help you need so you can stay on top of cash flow and revenues, while also continuing to support your staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s note: This article was first published on 24 March 2020 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Managing uncertainty<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get some top tips to help you create business continuity plans that will keep your company moving during uncertain times.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b8f54678-434a-456d-88cb-b8875a469bc5\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1211\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/Cherryduck_2019_Financial_00085-1211x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/Cherryduck_2019_Financial_00085-1211x810.jpg 1211w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-continuity\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness continuity\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-costs\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness costs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-support\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness support\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/government-funding\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGovernment funding\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-process\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR processes for small businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/payroll\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPayroll\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-1043 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-cash-flow tag-crowdfunding business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T13:25:08+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/a-business-guide-to-borrowing-money\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA business owner&#8217;s guide to borrowing money\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tIt&#8217;s a necessary requirement for most businesses but the good news is that it needn&#8217;t be painful of even expensive. Here&#8217;s how to borrow in the best way for your business growth and success.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-1543 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-continuity tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-start-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" 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business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-606923937_super-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Don&#039;t forget about pensions if you&#039;re self-employed\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-606923937_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-606923937_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-606923937_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" 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.537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-20T15:58:17+01:00\">20 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to start a small business in the UK\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about the VAT rate cut for hospitality businesses, the Job Retention Bonus, the Job Retention Scheme, and other government support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":782,"featured_media":6976,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[191,197,124,24,17,41,37],"business_type":[4,3,115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67,71,73,74],"imagine_tag":[220,242,98,92,165,96,109],"coauthors":[502],"class_list":["post-7415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-business-continuity","tag-business-costs","tag-business-support","tag-cash-flow","tag-government-funding","tag-hr-process","tag-payroll","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-sized-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Adam Prince","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2014\/03\/Tax_Factor_computer.jpg","imagine_tags":{"220":"Accountant accounting","242":"Banking","98":"Business continuity","92":"HR and Payroll","165":"Medium business trade","96":"Medium businesses","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice 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