Covid-19 News
12/04/2021- The Restart Grant application window is now open
The Restart Grant scheme is a one-off grant for businesses on the ratings list only. Grants of between £2,667 and £18,000 are available for businesses re-opening after the ending of national lockdown restrictions. The application window for Sefton businesses opened... More
09/04/2021- Restart Grant- open for applications on Monday 12th April
The Restart Grant scheme is a one-off grant for businesses on the ratings list only. Grants of between £2,667 and £18,000 are available for businesses re-opening after the ending of national lockdown restrictions. The application window for Sefton businesses will... More
09/04/21- Re-opening your business – is your water supply ready?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many businesses had to close at short notice to protect public health and reduce the spread of the virus. As businesses now begin to consider re-opening as restrictions are gradually relaxed, it’s important to take... More
07/04/2021- Recovery Loan Scheme launches
A new government-backed loan scheme launched yesterday (6 April 2021) to provide additional finance to those businesses that need it. new loan scheme will provide further support to protect businesses and jobs loans will include 80% government guarantee and interest... More
30/03/2021 – Update on Local Business Support Grant – Round 3
Since the grant scheme closed, the Grants Team have been working as quickly as possible to review all applications in line with strict financial protocols, and distribute grants to businesses across the Borough. Applications are being processed in strict order... More
30/03/2021- Workplace testing programme expands to offer free rapid home testing
This week (28 March), the Government announced that, from 6 April, the workplace testing programme will supply home test kits to companies with over ten workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site. This could be due... More
24/03/2021- How to access a £3,000 grant for new employees
This free webinar will provide employers with further information about funding and grants available for training. It will take place on 12th April 2021 10-00-10.30am. The webinar will focus on funding and grants available to employers in the Liverpool City... More
16/03/2021- CBILs is coming to an end soon
CBILS, the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, is coming to an end on 31st March 2021 and we want to ensure as many businesses as possible can access this valuable lifeline. Since FW Capital became an accredited lender they have been able... More
15/03/2021- £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund opens for applications
Smaller businesses can today (15 March 2021) apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU. The £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund enables traders to access... More
04/03/2021- Budget 2021: What You Need to Know
Protecting Jobs and Livelihoods An extension of the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme to September 2021 across the UK. An extension of the UK-wide Self Employment Income Support scheme to September 2021, with 600,000 more people who filed a tax... More
24/02/2021- The VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme online portal is now live.
Announced by the Chancellor in the Winter Economy Plan the new payment scheme allows businesses that deferred VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020, under the VAT Payment Deferral Scheme, to opt-in and pay their deferred VAT by... More
24/02/2021- Liverpool City Region Local Business Support Grant – Round 3 (Now Closed)
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Liverpool City Region economy. As a direct response to the new measures imposed by Government and the challenges that businesses are facing under the national lockdown, the Liverpool City Region... More
17/02/2021- To Let by Informal Tender
REFRESHMENT CONCESSIONS HALL ROAD, CROSBY Ice Cream Concession Hall Road Car Park, Crosby (for 3 years) Snacks Concession Hall Road Car Park, Crosby (for 3 years) Tender details available from Sue Crompton at Sefton Council. Email sue.crompton@sefton.gov.uk or telephone 0151... More
12/02/2021 – Digital Marketing – SEO: Improving your Web Site Rankings Webinar
Optimising your website can pay dividends in helping customers to find your business on the internet. With billions of searches made daily, Search Engine Optimisation plays an important role to help you to raise your site’s rankings with search engines... More
03/02/2021- Starting a Business During a Pandemic (Start-up Conference)
This Launchpad event will help you to understand the practicalities of getting started as well as connecting you with entrepreneurs who have been there, done it and even re-adapted in the face of Covid 19. Led by The Women’s... More
19/01/20- Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Businesses that that have been ordered to close during the current COVID-19 national lockdown, and are liable for business rates, may be eligible for a support payment. The full eligibility criteria can be found on Sefton Council’s website at... More
06/01/20- Chancellor announces support for businesses during the latest National Lockdown
The Chancellor has announced that businesses in the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Sectors will be eligible to receive a one-off grant payment of up to £9000 due to the National Lockdown restrictions announced this week. Details of the... More
EU EXIT – Information for businesses
The UK has left the EU and new rules for business with the EU started on 1st January 2021. The transition period ended on 31 December 2020. While the Government continues to negotiate with the European Union, there are actions... More
17/12/20- Furlough scheme extended for another month
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme for one month until the end of April next year. Mr Sunak also confirmed he would be extending the government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March. These changes come... More
11/12/20- Hospitality, Leisure & Retail Grant (Expanded Scheme) closes TODAY Friday 11th December 2020 at 5pm
The Hospitality, Leisure and Retail Grant (Expanded Scheme) will close today Friday 11th December 2020 at 5pm. You can apply if you meet one of the 3 descriptions below, was established and trading before the 11th March 2020, still... More
26/11/20- Tier 2 restrictions for Sefton after Wednesday 2nd December
National lockdown is due to end on Wednesday 2nd December, Sefton and the rest of the Liverpool City Region will then be placed in Tier 2 ‘High Alert’ of the Government’s alert system. Read more on what Tier 2 restrictions... More
18/11/2020- Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa wins Hotel of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2020
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa has been named Hotel of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2020. At the awards, Formby Hall was praised for its outstanding customer service, along with the hotel’s forward vision. Andrew... More
18/11/20- Local Restrictions Support Grant (For businesses instructed to close)
A Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) will be available to eligible businesses instructed to close following the implementation of localised restrictions (Tier 3) or National Lockdown. The level of grant paid will depend on the rateable value of... More
13/11/20- Search launched for LCR Tech Climbers 2021
The search is on to find the stars of Liverpool City Region’s digital sector for inclusion in the LCR Tech Climbers 2021 list. Following the success of the inaugural list in 2019, the second list promises to be even bigger and... More
10/11/2020- Notice of Importance – If you trade with Northern Ireland
The free-to-use Trader Support Service (TSS) is now live and ready to support businesses with the changes to Northern Ireland trade, which take effect on 1 January 2021. One of the changes you need to prepare for is the requirement... More
06/11/20- New National Restrictions from 5th November
Information on the new restrictions including what they mean for businesses can be found on the GOV.UK website, along with a full list of which businesses need to close. (Source: GOV.UK) More
05/11/2020- Sunak to extend furlough scheme to end of March
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that he will extend the furlough scheme until the end of March. Mr Sunak said the scheme will pay up to 80% of a person’s wage up to £2,500 a month. Read more (Source: BBC... More
05/11/2020- Coronation Park Crosby, L23 5RG – Sefton Council Tender
TO LET BY INFORMAL TENDER Coronation Park Depot, Claremont Road, Crosby L23 5RD Interested parties are invited to submit offers for the lease and to complete and return the enclosed form at the back of the main document by 12... More
04/11/20- The new lockdown rules for England
A new four-week lockdown across England is due to start on Thursday 5th November. All non essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues must close, along with pubs and restaurants (takeaways are permitted). Further information can be found on this here.... More
04/11/20- Hospitality & Leisure Support Grant closed for applications
The Hospitality and Leisure Grant temporarily closed for applications on 30th October. Any direct enquiries about the grant please contact the grants team on handlgrants@sefton.gov.uk (Source: Sefton Council) More
02/11/2020- LCR Culture and Creativity Awards
Please help the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to spread the word about the LCR Culture & Creativity Awards 2020 and encourage people to enter themselves and get others to nominate them or their organisations. We know what a challenging... More
20/10/2020- Job Support Scheme Extended
The Chancellor has confirmed that the Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses that are required to close due to coronavirus restrictions. Eligible businesses will receive grants to help pay the wages of staff who... More
20/10/2020- Businesses urged to prepare for end of Brexit transition
The Department for Business has urged firms across the UK to take action as soon as possible to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. Businesses have been encouraged to use the Government’s online... More
20/10/2020- Stream 3 for the Community Environment Fund has now officially launched!
The Community Environment Fund (CEF) complements the Mayor’s vision to “Build Back Better”, and will contribute to a green recovery in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) by assisting organisations to expand their good work and to support communities to engage... More
14/10/2020- InvestSefton Webinar – Protecting Your Business from Cyber Attack
COVID19 has seen an increase in businesses asking their employees to work remotely. This has brought a new set of threats from cyber attacks targeted at insecure network connections and unpassworded mobile devices, leaving systems open to attack. On Thursday... More
13/10/2020- Are you ready for our new relationship with the EU?
There will be guaranteed changes from 1 January for businesses as we start our new relationship with the EU, and there are many actions you can take today to prepare. Find out what you need to do by visiting gov.uk/transition... More
12/10/2020- The Prime Minister confirms new three-tier alert system, with Liverpool City Region ‘very high’
The Liverpool City Region will be on the “very high” Covid alert level from Wednesday, Boris Johnson has announced. Confirming new three-tier restrictions, the PM said pubs, bars and betting shops will close on Merseyside. Most areas of England will... More
9/10/20- UK workers to get 67% of pay if firms told to shut
Employees who work for UK firms forced to shut by law because of coronavirus restrictions will get two-thirds of their wages paid for by the government. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it was an “expansion” of the Job Support Scheme, which... More
8/10/20- Nominations open for the 2020 Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards
The Culture & Creativity Awards recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution that culture and creativity make to the city region. COVID19 has had a massive impact on the cultural & creative sector and it is still challenging, however, despite this,... More
06/10/2020- The Community Environment Funds has now been launched.
The Year of the Environment in 2019 was a success for the Liverpool City Region. As you may recall at the Summit last November, the Metro Mayor vowed to continue the momentum by pledging a pot of £500,000 for community environment projects... More
30/09/20- The Good Business Festival (Act 1) now open for registration
Registration for Act 1 of the Good Business Festival is now open. The Good Business Festival is a free digital event taking place on Thursday 8th October. In March 2021, The Good Business Festival itself will take place as a... More
30/09/20- Sefton businesses need to create and display test & trace QR codes
Sefton Council’s Environmental Health Team is reminding some of the Borough’s businesses that they need to create a QR code for their premises which people can use to check in on the national COVID-19 app. Businesses required by law to... More
30/09/20- Launch of the second round of the Future Innovation Fund (Pilot)
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, launched the £3m LCR Future Innovation Fund (Pilot) to support businesses in the region to adapt and innovate in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivered through Growth Platform, the Pilot... More
24/09/20- Rishi Sunak unveils emergency jobs scheme
The Jobs Support Scheme, which will replace the furlough scheme, will see workers get three quarters of their normal salaries for six months. It aims to stop mass job cuts after the government introduced new measures to tackle a rise... More
22/09/2020- Important Information for Businesses from The Director of Public Health
Sefton Council is fully committed to supporting its communities and businesses to help control the spread and manage the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes enabling our economy to operate safely under restrictions. This can only happen if residents and... More
21/09/2020- Local lockdown measures
On Friday 18th September 2020 it was confirmed that Merseyside will now adhere to a series of new local measures to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As of Tuesday 22nd September 2020, the following measures which will... More
21/09/2020- Digital Manufacturing Business Pitch Event
The event will benefit the following organisations: Developers of digital technology, products and solutions for the manufacturing sector Manufacturing companies looking for novel digital products and solutions to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of their operations North-West SMEs looking... More
14/09/2020- Time is running out to access CBILS funding
Time is running out to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme New applicants only have until the 30th September 2020 to apply for the CBILS-backed guarantee. MSIF through the delivery of its fund manager subsidiary, Alliance Fund Managers [AFM]... More
14/09/2020- Preparing for Trade in a Post EU Exit World
Liverpool Chamber have a number of international and EU Exit related events/advice to help prepare you and your business for the future. More details here (Source: Liverpool Chamber) More
14/09/2020- Export trade measures for online retailers
A package of trade measures for online retailers has been announced to help support businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The new measures include a Consumer and Retail Export Academy that will provide retailers with the knowledge, skills and networks... More
11/09/2020- Venues required by law to record contact details
Premises and venues across England must have a system in place to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff in the latest move to break the chains of transmission of coronavirus. More details here (Source: Gov UK) More
10/09/2020- LCR4 Start now ready to offer support to SMEs
Are you considering digital adoption, or investing in new technology? Is COVID-19 changing customer requirements or requiring you to work in different ways? Do you want to move forward that innovation that has been ‘in the pipeline’ for years? LCR4... More
09/09/2020- Business Recovery Grant – Guidance and FAQs now live
LCR Growth Platform have announced today that applications for the recovery grant will open on Wednesday 16th September. The grant is open to all SMEs based in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral, who have been trading since... More
09/09/2020- Bounce-back plans launched for consumer and retail industry
A ‘bounce-back’ plan of trade measures for the consumer and retail industry has been announced today to help support businesses impacted by Coronavirus. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bounce-back-plans-launched-for-consumer-and-retail-industry?utm_source=5ed9f0f5-098d-46e5-bdbe-6daf4655d88e&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate (Source: Gov UK) More
08/09/2020- Grants for innovative R&D projects
Innovate UK has launched a new £25 million grant funding competition to support smaller businesses to deliver R&D projects that will have a positive impact on the UK economy. Funding is available for projects with eligible costs of between £25,000... More
07/09/2020- Funding to help employers take on apprentices
Employers can now apply for cash incentives to help them take on new apprentices as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs. Under the plan, employers will receive £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25,... More
04/09/20- Kickstart Scheme now open
New £2 billion Kickstart scheme opened this week and will create thousands of new jobs for young people. youngsters on Universal Credit aged between 16-24 will be offered six-month work placements – with wages paid by the government launch comes... More
02/09/2020- Discretionary Business Grant Fund- closed to new applications
Due to Government guidance received on August 27, 2020, the Grant Application Portal closed to new applications for the final time from Midnight (12.00am) on August 28, 2020. PLEASE NOTE – All new applications are being put on a RESERVE... More
26/08/2002- Essential financial support for social enterprises
The Social Enterprise Support Fund provides grants to support local enterprises during COVID-19. It was established in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and five social enterprise support agencies. To find out more click here (Source: Social Enterprise Support... More
26/08/2020- Last chance to apply for the Sustain programme
Sustain is fully funded and is an online course you need to stabilise your business, adapt your strategy and grow sustainably. It is designed to help ambitious leaders stabilise, adapt & grow sustainably through change. Find out more & apply... More
20/08/2020- Discover Clean Growth Innovation
Clean Growth Innovation is the development of any new or improved product, process, business model or service that reduces your impact on the environment. It reduces your impact on the planet and can drive down costs, increase profits, improve employee... More
19/08/20- Claims open for second self-employed support grant
Millions of self-employed people whose trade has been hit by coronavirus can now apply for a second support grant from the government. More than three million people may be eligible for the payment of up to £6,570 each, which Chancellor... More
18/08/2020- InvestSefton Webinar- Winning more Business from your Website
Thursday August, 20th 2020, 10:30 AM Getting potential customers to your website can be expensive. If your website isn’t converting visitors into customers, then a significant portion of your advertising spend will be wasted. On Thursday, 20 August InvestSefton is... More
13/08/20- New temporary pavement licence to support Sefton Businesses
Sefton Council appreciates that the hospitality sector has been particularly hard hit by the restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses are now starting to re-open, due to limited space and to implement the Government’s social... More
30/07/2020- MSIF increases Coronavirus Recovery and Resilience Fund to £3million
Following the recent launch of their dedicated Coronavirus Recovery and Resilience Fund [CRRF], Liverpool-based funding provider MSIF has reinforced its support for North West SMEs impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic by increasing its commitment to the CRRF to £3million. The... More
28/07/2020- Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. More details here (Source: Gov UK) More
24/07/2020- VAT: reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
If you’re a VAT registered business, check if you can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation, or admission to certain attractions. More details here (Source Gov.Uk) More
17/07/2020- Digital security following Covid-19 and keeping your business secure online
Join a free webinar on Wednesday 22 July at 11am to find out more about the most common cyber threats faced by businesses and how to mitigate being the victim of a cyber incident. A representative from the National Cyber... More
14/07/2020- HMRC invites hospitality industry to register for Eat Out to Help Out
Restaurants and other establishments serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out. Read more here (Source: Gov.UK)... More
08/07/2020- Bespoke Support for you as a Business Leader
Sustain is a 6-week online course to help you and your business to stabilise, adapt and sustain through Covid-19 and beyond. Plus, it’s fully funded so no cost to you. I know it is a really busy time, this support... More
08/07/2020- Chancellor gives diners 50% off on eating out
Diners will get a 50% discount off their restaurant bill during August under government plans to bolster the embattled hospitality sector. Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the “eat out to help out” discount as part of a series of measures to... More
08/07/2020- Chancellor unveils ‘job retention bonus’
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a plan to keep furloughed workers in their jobs when the scheme ends in October. If employers keep workers in their jobs until January 2021 they will get a £1,000 bonus per employee. The scheme... More
07/07/20- Government announces £10 million for small businesses to kickstart tourism
Communities that depend on tourism will receive a major boost from a new £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package. Read more here. (Source: GOV.UK) More
02/07/2020- How Will Your Business Meet the Net Zero Carbon Commitment?
Join Clean Growth UK and Liverpool John Moore’s University for an online discussion. Designed to suit businesses in the construction sector and accompanying supply chains, this event will explore the daunting challenge of net-zero for the sector. Providing advice on... More
30/06/2020- Support for businesses and self-employed people during coronavirus
These 12 guides cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides... More
24/06/20- New advice for businesses in England on how to reopen safely
Updated guidance has been published on how hairdressers, hotels, pubs and other businesses in England can reopen safely from 4 July. Read more here (Source: BBC News) More
22/06/2020- Sefton Discretionary Business Grant Fund
The Discretionary Business Grant Fund is now open for applications. The guidance document and the FAQs are on Sefton Council’s website, along with the application form. https://www.sefton.gov.uk/covid19business (Source: Sefton Council) More
22/06/2020- Working Safely Tool
To help employers reopen their businesses safely, we have launched a new tool to identify the most relevant guidance for your business. The guidance highlighted will help you carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the site... More
18/06/2020- Future Innovation Fund
Our whole economy is experiencing extraordinary changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is a very challenging time, these changes can also drive innovation, create opportunities, and make businesses stronger and more resilient. Following consultation with industry representatives, the... More
16/06/2020- Sefton’s Planning team push ahead to keep building up borough
Innovative practices, dedicated staff and new technology has allowed Sefton Council’s Planning team to remain working seamlessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. https://mysefton.co.uk/2020/06/11/seftons-planning-team-push-ahead-to-keep-building-up-borough (Source: Sefton Council) More
11/06/2020- Sustain is now open for businesses
The Sustain course is free to access as all course fees are covered by the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor’s Business Growth Package, elements of which are being redirected to support the local business community to recover from the negative... More
11/06/2020- Merseytravel launch ‘Rethink Travel’ Campaign
Merseytravel are asking everyone to rethink how they travel, considering if your journey is necessary and, if so, when and by what means you travel. The full details and advice can be found on their website. (Source: Merseytravel) More
08/06/2020- Coronavirus support schemes extended
The Chancellor has announced that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been extended and individuals will be able to claim a second grant in August 2020 worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits. The Chancellor has also provided... More
08/06/2020- Government to publish code of practice with commercial sector to boost high street
High street businesses and landlords are set to benefit from a new code of practice, to provide them with clarity and reassurance over rent payments. Read more here (Source: Gov UK) More
08/06/2020- Reopening checklist for food businesses during COVID-19
The Food Standards Agency have published a checklist to support food businesses to reopen safely during COVID-19 after a period of inaction. https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/reopening-checklist-for-food-businesses-during-covid-19 (Source: The Food Standards Agency) More
08/08/2020- Trade Credit Insurance
Trade Credit Insurance, which provides essential cover to hundreds of thousands of business-to-business transactions, will receive up to £10 billion of government guarantees. https://bit.ly/TradeCreditIns. (Source: Cabinet Office) More
08/06/2020- Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. More details here (Source: Gov UK) More
08/06/2020- Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for accommodation providers
Guidance and advice for those providing hotel and other accommodation in England. More details here (Source: Gov UK) More
05/06/2020- Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
From 1 July, employers can bring back to work employees that have previously been furloughed for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant for their normal hours... More
05/06/2020- Mandatory Face Coverings on Public Transport
The Transport Secretary announced yesterday that wearing face coverings on public transport will be mandatory in England from Monday 15 June. The full statement can be read here. (Source: GOV.UK) More
26/05/2020- Working Safely During Coronavirus – Shops and Branches
Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches (Source: Gov UK) More
13/05/20- Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced yesterday. In a boost to millions of jobs and businesses, Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme would be extended by a further four... More
13/05/20- Self-employed grant scheme to open to applications
Millions of self-employed people whose business has been affected by coronavirus can apply for grants from the government from today, Wednesday 13th May. The Self Employed Income Support Scheme is designed to match the support being given to furloughed employees.... More
12/05/2020- Closing certain businesses and venues in England
All businesses and venues outlined in the table below must not open to the public. Failure to follow the law relating to these closures can lead to the individuals responsible for the business being issued a prohibition notice, a fixed... More
12/05/2020- Coronavirus: What should my employer do to keep me safe?
The government has issued new guidance on how different workplaces should be made safe for staff during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52623254 (Source: BBC News) More
04/05/2020- Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
This scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to access loans of up to £50,000. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan (Source: Gov.UK) More
04/05/2020- Top-up to local business grant funds scheme
A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. Sefton Council is awaiting further guidance, we will update this page when this has been received https://www.gov.uk/government/news/top-up-to-local-business-grant-funds-scheme (Source:... More
01/05/2020- New service launched to connect suppliers of PPE with those who need it most
A new website has been launched to connect suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) with those who need it most during the coronavirus crisis. The PPE Exchange service allows key and frontline workers across the independent, voluntary and public sectors... More
30/4/20- Corona Virus Job Retention Scheme Webinars
HMRC are running a series of webinar giving guidance on the Job Retention Scheme The next available webinars are today (Thursday 30th April) at 2.45pm, or tomorrow Friday 1st May at 10.45am. Each webinar will last for 45mins and will... More
28/04/2020- New measures to protect UK high street from aggressive rent collection and closure
High street shops and other companies under strain will be protected from aggressive rent collection and asked to pay what they can during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-to-protect-uk-high-street-from-aggressive-rent-collection-and-closure?utm_source=2761a835-f2b3-476e-9356-024dfb86fc6e&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=daily (Source: Gov.uk) More
20/04/2020- Millions to claim as UK furlough scheme goes live
A government pay scheme to keep staff on the payroll despite not working due to coronavirus has gone live. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52346685 (Source: BBC News) More
17/04/2020- Metro Mayor announces £15m Coronavirus business support
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced plans to redirect £15m from existing Combined Authority projects to support businesses and the community and voluntary sector through the Coronavirus crisis. This support will include: £5m to support businesses to access national government... More
16/04/2020- Growth Platform online events and Webinars for Businesses
Growth Platform are running a series of weekly, free, online events, to help support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Full details on all of the events including how to join can be found on the Growth Platform Website: https://growthplatform.org/events/ (Source:... More
15/04/2020- £14m in small business grants has been processed to businesses in Sefton
To date, grants worth £14 million have now been processed to businesses across Sefton who qualify for the support. This is a priority for the Business Rates Team and they continue to process over 200 claims a day, worth an... More
09/04/2020- Over £10m in small business grants has already been processed to support over 800 businesses in Sefton
Over £10m in small business grants has already been processed to support over 800 businesses in Sefton at this time. Sefton Council’s Business Rates Team are working hard to process the remainder of the grants. For more information visit https://www.sefton.gov.uk/business/business-rates/covid-19-business-rates-support-for-202021.aspx... More
09/04/2020- The Prince’s Trust and NatWest launch £5million grant fund for young entrepreneurs affected by coronavirus
The Prince’s Trust and NatWest Enterprise Relief Fund is available to entrepreneurs aged 18-30, who can apply for grants and tailored support from today. Grants can be used to maintain core business operations during the crisis, as well as meet... More
09/04/2020- PPE call to action for businesses
The Growth Platform are working together with the Merseyside Resilience Forum to support their key role in coordinating the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers. InvestSefton is working closely with Growth Platform (https://growthplatform.org/business-covid-19-advice/) They have asked us... More
08/04/2020- Sefton Council rolls out business support funding and support to local businesses during COVID-19
Businesses in Sefton are being offered a series of support packages, as measures are taken and developed to tackle the impact of COVID-19. The response is being driven by Sefton’s Business Rates team with support from InvestSefton, which leads on... More
07/03/2020- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – Update and Q&A
To find out more about the upcoming scheme, register for this webinar with British Business Bank about the CBILS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-update-and-qa-tickets-101886725940 (Source Barclays Eagle-Lab Liverpool) More
03/04/2020- Free business advice from the Professional and Business Service community
Growth Platform is co-ordinating a panel of accredited Professional & Business Services specialists willing to provide informed pro bono business advice and support to companies in the Liverpool City Region in response to the challenges they are currently facing during... More
03/04/2020- Changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
A revamped loan fund for ailing firms hit by the coronavirus lockdown will have an immediate impact, RBS has said. RBS chairman Sir Howard Davies admitted there had been problems but expects to see a “sharp increase” in lending to... More
02/04/2020- Call for Action – Help from Businesses
The Government have provided a list of goods, items and support that are urgently needed. This includes things such as: Medical testing equipment Medical equipment design Protective equipment for healthcare workers, such as masks, gowns and sanitiser Hotel rooms Transport... More
02/04/2020- HMRC Employer Support Webinar
HMRC are offering a series of three half hour live webinars to provide information on business support. The next one is Thursday 2nd April at 4pm. Follow this link for more information on our useful guides and information page. The... More
30/03/2020- The Chancellor’s bailout ignores many self-employed
Actors and other artists in sole-person limited companies not covered https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/27/chancellors-coronavirus-bailout-ignores-many-self-employed (Source: The Guardian) More
27/03/2020- What help will self-employed get from government?
Employees kept on by struggling businesses during the coronavirus outbreak will have 80% of their wages subsidised by the government, but ministers were criticised for not going so far for the self-employed. Read more here (Source: BBC News) More
26/03/2020- Estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls to pay no business rates this coming financial year
Many high street businesses that have closed due to Covid-19 restrictions will now be exempt from business rates. Read more here (Source: Gov.uk) More
25/03/2020- Fraud and Cyber Crime
Experts from the National Cyber Security Centre have revealed a range of attacks being perpetrated online as cyber criminals seek to exploit Covid-19. Read more here (Source: National Cyber Security Centre) More
25/03/2020- Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of Coronavirus will be protected from eviction
Extra protection for businesses with ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments. Read more here (Source: Gov.uk) More
24/03/2020- How will the Government New Job Retention Scheme Work?
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/experts/legal/how-will-the-government-new-job-retention-scheme-work More
24/03/2020- How is £94 a week going to pay anyone’s bills?
Freeland gig economy workers say they cannot survive on the support offered by the government. BBC News More
23/3/20- Job retention scheme announced
The Chancellor has announced a job retention scheme to support UK businesses to continue to pay the salaries of employees who would otherwise have been laid off due to the coronavirus outbreak. To access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, employers... More
20/3/20- Self-employed? Here are your rights during the coronavirus crisis
You may not be able to get sick pay and redundancy pay, but other benefits may be available. Read more (Source: The Guardian) More
20/3/20- Seven essential tips if you have to work from home
You may find yourself regularly working from home over the coming weeks as employers attempt to limit staff exposure to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more (Source: Sky News) More
20/3/20- UK urged to pay for workers wages
The government has been urged to step in immediately to pay firm’s wage bills to prevent mass unemployment. Read more (Source: BBC News) More
20/3/20- UK interest rates cut to lowest level ever
The Bank of England has cut interest rates again in an emergency move as it tries to support the UK economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more (Source: BBC News) More