Help for the High Street, Cyber Security, Grants and Wellbeing in Work
Business@Harrogate
Help for the High Street: Free Support for Businesses
Independent businesses from Boroughbridge to Pateley Bridge, Ripon and Knaresborough, have been benefiting from the council's scheme to help the district's high streets.

Beauticians, pubs, cafes, gyms and retail stores are just some of the firms that have taken up the free support provided by Steve Bolton, an experienced local business consultant.

Funded by the government’s Reopening the High Street Safely Fund, the scheme is part of council initiatives to help the local economy recover from the impact of Covid-19. 
 
To arrange an initial virtual meeting or telephone call, businesses interested in this free support should email [email protected] with their contact details.
Grant Support Extended
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The next round of grant funding for businesses that are legally required to remain closed in the current lockdown and are liable for business rates, has been confirmed.

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed Addendum) payments covering 16 February to 31 March 2021, are based on the rateable value of business premises:

  • rateable value of £15,000 or less = £2,096
  • rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 = £3,143
  • rateable value of £51,000 or above = £4,714

Businesses awarded the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed Addendum), for the November and/or January lockdowns, will receive an email from the council about their latest grant by 26 February - there is no need to reapply.
Additional Restrictions Grant: Phase 3 to Open in March
Businesses impacted by the continuing national lockdown, and not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed Addendum), may be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme.

Phase 2 of the ARG scheme is currently accepting applications for the lockdown in November 2020, Tier 2 and 3 restrictions in December and the lockdown period of January to 15 February 2021. 

Phase 3 of the council's ARG scheme will cover the lockdown from 16 February to 31 March 2021, and open for applications by 19 March.

Businesses awarded an ARG payment for the November and/or January lockdowns will receive a council email about the latest grant by 12 March - they do not need to reapply.

Details on other economic support measures for businesses are due to be announced at the national Budget, on 3 March.

Information on grant payments after March 2021 will be updated on the council's website, as the Government announces further details.
Care for the Climate: Business Survey
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Helping businesses care for the climate is a key aim of the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition.

Employees and business owners are being encouraged to complete an online survey, and help the Coalition provide local companies with the support they need.

Details on the Coalition's work to secure a net-zero carbon economy are available on its website. 
VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme: Now Open
Businesses looking for flexibility on their
March - June 2020 VAT payments may benefit from a new scheme.

Opening this week, the VAT deferral payment scheme enables up to 11 monthly instalments, interest free.

Registration for the scheme is on the government's website at 'Pay deferred VAT', and closes on 21 June 2021. 
Wellbeing in the Workplace
Practical advice and support on mental health and wellbeing is available from a range of business organisations, including:

  • Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
‘It’s okay to talk about mental health’ resources for small business owners and the self-employed.

  • York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub
Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkit, free to download and with information on wellbeing in the workplace and practical resources for managers and employees.

  • Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce
Workplace wellbeing, and helping you manage it is the focus of the meeting on 8 March. A range of speakers will cover topics including, taking a holistic approach and implementing support.
EU Transition: New Support Services and Funding
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New resources and a Brexit Support Fund have been launched by the Government, HMRC and local Growth Hub to assist businesses adapt to the EU Transition:

Brexit Transition Helplines: a summary page organised by themes and key actions, such as duties and tariffs and vehicle enquiries. 
 
Right to Work Leaflet: For use by UK businesses hiring EU citizens between 1 January and 30 June 2021. 

SME Brexit Support Fund: A £20 million programme offering small businesses help with new customs procedures, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU. Up to £2,000 to pay for training and professional advice for business with less than 500 employees.

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub Brexit support services: A next step to the GOV.UK Brexit checker, providing further information and additional support to businesses.
Scams and Being Cyber Aware
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HMRC are reminding businesses to stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages.

For information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact, search 'scams' on GOV‌.UK. Suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC can be forwarded to [email protected] and texts to 60599.

The National Cyber Security Centre is hosting a series of cyber security webinars and talks in late February and March, which are free to attend and designed for businesses of all sizes.
Covid-19 business grants [email protected]
More news from Business@Harrogate in March 2021