Skip to main content
We're here with practical information for your business. Learn about business planning, running a business and more.

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

New support for businesses forced to close

12 October 2020

From 1 November, the government's Job Support Scheme will include support for any business that is required to close under new coronavirus restrictions or local lockdowns.

Under the expanded Job Support Scheme, firms whose premises are legally required to shut for a period of time over winter as part of local or national restrictions will receive grants to pay the wages of staff who cannot work. In these circumstances, the government will pay two-thirds (or 67%) of employees' salaries, up to a maximum of £2,100 a month.

Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "I have always said that we will do whatever is necessary to protect jobs and livelihoods as the situation evolves. The expansion of the Job Support Scheme will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors, giving them the right support at the right time."

Under the scheme, employers will not be required to contribute towards wages and only asked to cover NICs and pension contributions. According to government estimates, around half of potential claims are likely not to incur employer NICs or auto-enrolment pension contributions and so face no employer contribution.

Businesses will only be eligible to claim the grant while they are subject to restrictions and employees must be off work for a minimum of seven consecutive days.

The UK-wide scheme begins on 1 November and will continue for six months, with a review in January. In line with the rest of the Job Support Scheme, payments to businesses will be made in arrears, via an HMRC claims service that will be available from early December. Employees of firms that have been legally closed in the period before 1 November are eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

In addition, cash grants for businesses in England that are required to close in local lockdowns have been increased. The new grants will be linked to rateable values, with up to £3,000 per month payable every two weeks, compared to the up to £1,500 every three weeks which was available previously.

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive a £1.3 billion increase to their guaranteed funding for 2020-21 - allowing them to implement similar measures.

These measures will sit alongside the original Job Support Scheme - which is designed to support businesses that are facing low demand over the winter months - and the £1,000 Job Retention Bonus which encourages employers to keep staff on payroll.

Written by Rachel Miller.

Stay up-to-date with business advice and news

Sign up to our lively and colourful newsletter for new and more established small businesses.

Contact us

Make an enquiry