Whilst many businesses have well tested business continuity plans, the events that are overtaking the world are unprecedented and are testing even the most resilient of businesses. Whilst Altion Law’s thoughts are with those whose health is affected or overwhelmed by the virus, we are seeking to help protect people’s businesses and livelihoods. We hope to do this by keeping updated to advise on the latest government advice.

Altion Law is well prepared to ensure business continuity in all scenarios. We have invested in Cloud IT systems and have facilities for remote working and access to our systems. This allows us continue to offer our services, both in our offices and also remotely if needed. All staff have access to telephones, emails and document management systems. This is whether they are working remotely, or in the office.

Help For Businesses And Clients

Below is the list of financial support packages Government are making available.

As of 20/03/2020 There is a package of Measures to Support Businesses Including:

• A statutory sick pay relief package for SMEs – Eligibility – Any UK business with under 250 employees will be able to claim a refund that will cover the costs of up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee. This is will be for staff who have been off work because of COVID-19. Currently, there is no confirmed process to apply for this. Advice is to maintain employee sickness records using the new online sickness note scheme. This is from 111, whilst the government creates the reclaim mechanism.
• The government is to pay 80% of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 a month. More detail to come but will be based upon figures taken from the PAYE system.
• The current quarters VAT payments will be deferred to the end of June.
• A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England. Currently as it is proposed , there is no action for you to take. This will be applied automatically to your next council tax bill in April 2020. However, local authorities may have to reissue your bill automatically to exclude the business rate charge.

Further to These latest government advice includes:

• Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief, or rural rate relief.
• The HMRC Time To Pay Scheme (dedicated helpline 0800 0159 559), call if you are concerned you will miss a payment.
• Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property. This applies to those with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Again any enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of, the reliefs and grants, should be directed to the relevant local authority. Authorities received guidance from government on 19.03.2020 and should be updating their advice.
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan opens for applications on 23^rd March 2020. This is to support long-term viable UK businesses with turnover of no more than £41 million per annum. Those who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance. Delivered by the British Business Bank, will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per-lender cap on claims). This is to give lenders further confidence in continuing to provide finance to SMEs. Businesses can access the first 12 months of that finance interest free, as government will cover the first 12 months of interest payments. The government will not charge businesses or banks for this guarantee. The Scheme will support loans of up to £1.2 million in value.

At the Moment the Detail Around Applying for this is not Available but we Would Expect Businesses will need:

1. Last set of statutory annual financial statements.
2. Up to date management accounts for the period since the last financial statements. This will need to be easily reviewed. Ideally, by month in Excel etc. Most bookkeeping packages can do this.
3. Forecast / budgeted results for the forthcoming 3-5 years pre-Covid19.
4. Estimated impact of virus on profit/loss and cash flow for the business. For both immediate and then projected recovery.
5. The details of any other mitigating factors being taken by business to assist cash flow and minimise impact of the virus. (e.g. delayed/cancelled unnecessary capital expenditure, evidence of deferring HMRC payments.

The above information is not extensive but it is likely the applications intake will be busy once it opens. Therefore preparation would be advisable to understand the latest government advice, if you need to submit. If you need support, please contact us at Altion Law.

In Preparation for, and Indeed Alongside the Above. There are Further Actions That you can Take:

• Consider your supply chains if you are importing or exporting. Talk to all components of the chain. Agreeing contingency plans now and discussing payment plans etc to maintain cashflow into a business. This can be an alternative to cancelling all trade, maybe an option.
• Talk to your bank and your advisers. They may be able to connect you to other businesses that can provide first-hand advice on the points above.

If you need support please do contact Altion Law. We are operating normally, and continue to expand contacts building contacts in Accountancy practices, business advisory firms as well as collating advice on this page.