Business

Advice and Information for Employers

Help and advice for employers about supporting your staff through Covid-19.

COVID-19 - support for businesses

The Government has announced a support package to protect against the economic emergency caused by the coronavirus. This includes loans, grants and business rates support to help manage cash flows through this period. 

Business helpline 03333 602 300 - Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm 
This service is funded by Kent Local Authorities and delivered by the Kent and Medway Growth Hub.

• Discretionary business grants
  The discretionary fund is to help small businesses that do not qualify for other support schemes.  
• Small business and Retail, hospitality and leisure grants  The government has made cash grants available to support small businesses and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through the period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
• Business Rates support
  Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors plus childcare providers will pay no business rates for the financial year 2020-21, regardless of their rateable value.
• Government financial support for businesses
  Find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.
• Business Interruption Loan Scheme
  To support businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures. Delivered by British Business Bank and its partners
• HMRC Time To Pay Scheme
  If you run a business or are self-employed and are concerned about paying your tax due to coronavirus, you can call HMRC’s helpline for help and advice: 0800 0159 559. 

Food Businesses

• Food businesses that are starting to supply their customers with hot and cold food deliveries or takeaways must follow the government coronavirus guidance for food businesses.  If you are setting up a new food business in the district you must register your food business online at least 28 days before you begin trading.

Other support

• South East LEP Growth Hub
  Coronavirus guide for businesses including more useful links
• Advice from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
  Coronavirus information is updated regularly to reflect changes
• Locate in Kent
  If you’re a Kent-based business looking for advice and support Locate in Kent could help