In this article, the British Flowers Association shows the latest information on grants, furlough and apprenticeships in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England- Grants
The Chancellor announced new Grant information following the National Lockdown. The grant will be based on the rateable value of the property on the first full day of restrictions. Businesses that have been required to close due to national restrictions imposed by government as of 5 January 2021 may be eligible for a one-off grant of up to £9,000.
Your business may be eligible if your occupy a property on which you pay business rates (must be the ratepayer) and you are in England.
If your business has a property with a rateable value of £15,000 or less, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £1,334 for each 28-day qualifying restrictions period.
If your business has a property with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £2,000 for each 28-day qualifying restrictions period.
If your business has a property with a rateable value of £51,000 or above, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £3,000 for each 28-day qualifying restrictions period.
All grants are available by contacting your local authority as before and may take several weeks to come through but please do contact them for any changes that have occurred with you and your business since applying the last time.
Wales – Grants
The Sector Specific Grant applications will open in the week commencing 11 January 2021 and remain open for 2 weeks or until funds are fully committed. This grant is to support businesses impacted by the restrictions introduced on 4 December 2020. Use the Eligibility Checker now to review the criteria prior to its opening.
Scotland – Grants
£30 million funding has been provided to local authorities in Scotland to provide additional support for businesses where they consider that necessary or justified. Please do not contact your local authority for further information about these funds at the moment. Local authorities can use this fund at their discretion, and will undertake their own assessment of need and develop application processes accordingly.
Application forms are available on individual council websites and should be filled in on-line and submitted through the council’s website (if available) or returned to councils by e-mail only. Applications can be made up to 31 March 2021.
Northern Ireland – Grants
Certain additional businesses operating in any part of Northern Ireland are subject to restrictions from 26 December 2020. The regulations relating to these restrictions are being developed. Applicants can now apply, though they may be asked to provide further information once the regulations have been finalised.
There are three levels of support available to businesses who fall into the eligible categories listed above and whose application is successful. The level of support that successful applicants will receive is based on the Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property from which the business operates.
For more information and to register, check www.britishfloristassociation.org.