Support for Businesses

Chichester BID’s Response to Coronavirus

These are worrying times for businesses on the high street. However, we want to assure you that your BID Team is committed to keeping our Chichester levy payers as informed as possible and ensure you have the right tools to access any government support available to help during this time.

There’s no doubt that there are challenges ahead, but we’ll work with you to provide support however we can and ensure that the unique and vibrant character of Chichester’s high street survives this current situation.

With the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, information and advice from the government can change quickly. The information below is kept under regular review and is updated often. However, for the most up-to-date information please be sure to check the government website.

Latest Updates

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant – updated 10 Jan 2022

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Government announced on 21 December 2021 a new grant scheme will be made available to businesses in the hospitality (defined as accommodation, food & beverage services) and leisure industries.

This scheme is now open for applications. This grant is not allocated automatically so, if eligible, businesses must apply and all applications need to be in by 28 February.

To qualify, the business must:
Be registered for non-domestic rates
Be a solvent business
Be in the hospitality and leisure sector (e.g. pub, hotel, restaurant, bar, cinema, amusement park

The amount of grant paid will be dependent on the premises’ rateable value.

To apply, please click here.

Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) scheme – updated 10 Jan 2022

The government have also announced that local authorities will receive a top up to the Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) scheme. This new funding is intended to support businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 but may not be eligible for the hospitality and leisure grant.

This scheme is not yet open as we are awaiting confirmation on the details but it is hoped that it will be open shortly. Please continue to check the Council’s business rates announcements webpage for further information.

Other support – updated 1 Dec 2021

The Government has announced that the 100% Expanded Retail Relief and Nursery Relief schemes will be extended three months for the period 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021. For the period 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 the scheme will be changing as follows:

From 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 businesses in receipt of the Expanded Retail Relief discount will receive a 66% reduction in the amount to pay. There will be a cash cap of £2million for businesses that were required to close as at 5 January 2021 and up to £105,000 for businesses permitted to open at that date.

From 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 businesses in receipt of the Nursery discount will receive a 66% reduction in the amount to pay. There will be a cash cap of £105,000. Businesses may choose to opt out of the relief schemes by emailing Chichester District Council at [email protected].

Please note the annual business rate bills for 2021/22 will be issued in March 2021 with 100% relief up to 31 March 2022. Revised bills will then be issued in June 2021 to reflect the above changes.

General Information

For the latest government coronavirus outbreak FAQs detailing what you can and can’t do please click here.

Disposing of business waste (including PPE and face coverings)
Guidance on how to dispose of your personal or business waste, including face coverings and personal protective equipment (PPE), during the coronavirus pandemic has been published here.

Read more about the government response to coronavirus here.

For advice on Coronavirus from Chichester District Council including support and information for businesses click here.

Business Support Information

New Style Employment and Support Allowance
You may be able to claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance with, or instead of Universal Credit, depending on your National Insurance record. Click here for more information.

Statutory Sick Pay
To check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus click here.

Tax Bills
For government information on what to do if you cannot pay your tax bill on time due to coronavirus click here.

The government has set up a Coronavirus Business Support Finder Tool. This tool helps businesses and self-employed people quickly and easily find out what financial advice is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic. You can access the tool here.

Government Advice: Working safely during coronavirus
The Government has published guidance on working safely during Covid-19. Guidance for events and attractions has also been published here.

Managing risks and risk assessment at work
HSE also has advice on managing risk and carrying out risk assessments in the workplace including a risk assessment template and examples, click here to find out more.

Hospitality
Government guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways – click here.

Coronavirus: HSE working safely advice and helpline
If you need help and advice on how to protect people from coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace, you can find useful information including a helpline on the HSE website here.

Advice for small businesses and the self employed
For advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed from Federation of Small Businesses click here.

Government Kickstart Scheme
A new £2 billion scheme will be launched to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. Those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment, will be eligible. Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week – and employers will be able to top this wage up. Click here to find out more.

Contact Us

Please do get in touch on 01243 773263 or email [email protected] if there is anything we can do to help at this time. If you would like to discuss the business support available to you, you can book a one-to-one appointment with our Client Relationships Manager, Mandy Medhurst, please email [email protected].