Updates for community businesses
This is Plunkett’s regularly updated page for advice and guidance for all community businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
From Plunkett
The latest funding & support for community businesses: a message from Chris Cowcher, Head of Community Business
NEW From PLUNKETT:A list of funding and support available for UK-wide businesses in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hopkins Plunkett Communities Scheme
From PLUNKETT: Award winning East Anglian housebuilder Hopkins Homes has teamed up with Plunkett to support community businesses across the region as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic with advice and guidance on a range of issues.
More Than A Pub support scheme
From PLUNKETT: Small grants – To help trading community pubs in England to adjust their activities, to provide redesigned services and community support in response to the Covid-19 restrictions, small grants of up to £2,000 have been made available.
James Alcock: A message of continued support
NEW From PLUNKETT: As we enter a new year and another national lockdown, Plunkett’s Chief Executive, James Alcock, offers a message of support and reassurance to community businesses across the UK.
New support scheme
From PLUNKETT: C-19 Emergency Trading Income Support Scheme from Power to Change to provide help to community businesses facing a loss of trading income due to Coronavirus.
New programme of support
From PLUNKETT: Thanks to the Co-op, Plunkett has launched a dedicated programme of support to help rural community busniesses across the UK as they deal with the challenge of Covid-19.
Plunkett Foundation: Save our social enterprises
From PLUNKETT: Plunkett has joined other organisations in signing an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for action to protect Britain’s social enterprise sector.
Plunkett’s joins calls for rural needs to be understood
From PLUNKETT: Plunkett has joined other organisations in calling for the government to take account of rural needs as it implements measures to control the spread of the coronavius.
Watch Plunkett’s recent webinars
NEW From PLUNKETT: Watch recordings of recent webinars which have covered a variety of topics relating to how community businesses can deal with Covid-19.
Plunkett’s Community Business Support update
From PLUNKETT: Plunkett’s advisers are here for you – ready to listen to, learn from and respond to the needs of community business.
My Community
From PLUNKETT: A new website has been launched bringing Plunkett and 11 other leading community organisations that champion and support community action together in one place and to make it easier for community groups and organisations to find what they need.
Closure of Pubs and Cafes
From PLUNKETT: A message from James Alcock, our Chief Executive, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that pubs, cafes and restaurants are to close as of 21 March 2020
Responding to concerns of supplies to rural shops
From PLUNKETT: Our chief executive James Alcock responds to concerns over supplies to rural community shops.
Advice and Support
The latest funding & support for community businesses: a message from Chris Cowcher, Head of Community Business
NEW From PLUNKETT:A list of funding and support available for UK-wide businesses in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pubs operational advice and risk assessment
From the BII, BBPA and UK Hospitality:The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and
UK Hospitality have developed guidelines to assist pubs in risk assessing their businesses.
Coronavirus and mutual societies annual return submissions
From the Financial Conduct Athority: Here you can find all the forms you need to submit applications under the mutuals legislation. The FCA is continuing to review its processes in light of the current coronavirus outbreak.
Defra Food Charities Grant Fund
From the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs:If you run a front-line food aid charity in England, you can apply for a grant of up to £100,000 to help you continue to provide food to the vulnerable.
National Lottery Awards for All England
From the National Lottery Community Fund: This programme now focuses on funding projects and organisations helping communities through the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme is looking to award funding of £300 – £10,000 to cover six months of expenditure.
WRAP Emergency Surplus Food Grant
From WRAP: The aim of this grant is to provide vital financial support to small not-for-profit (NFP) organisations who can redistribute surplus food from the likes of retailers, wholesalers, and food manufacturers, to people in need or those considered vulnerable.
The Princes Countryside Fund
From The Prince’s Countryside Fund: £100,000 of emergency funding for farming and rural community support groups has been announced.
Good Finance Resource
From Good Finance: COVID-19 Resource Hub for Charities & Social Enterprises. This page contains information, resources and tools designed to support charities and social enterprises navigating COVID-19.
ACS Resource Centre
From ACS: This page contains resources for retailers with regard to the developing situation on COVID-19.
Advice for pubs
From CAMRA: This page aims to provide helpful resources for the publicans, brewers and cider makers while highlighting ways the public can help protect venues from closure.
Coronavirus: support materials
From CIPD: Download practical materials from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development including template policies, letters and a checklist, to assist their response to the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
A guide to staying connected
From Local Trust: Information on Covid-19 for Big Local partnerships, workers and Locally Trusted Organisations.
Locality’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
From Locality: Information and advice to support Locality Members and community organisations during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Business support guide
Advice from Co-operatives UK: A quick guide to government support – including grants and tax breaks – focused on helping small businesses cope with COVID‑19 disruption.
Beer and Pub Briefing
From the Beer & Pub Association: Here you will find all of the BBPA’s briefing on COVID-19 and how to access Government support.
ACS Advice Page
From ACS: This page contains resources for retailers with regard to the developing situation on COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
HR advice
Advice from Co-operatives UK: Social distancing and school closures are just two of the COVID‑19 impacts on absenteeism from work.
Home Deliveries
From ACS: This new guidance details what retailers should consider when starting a home delivery service.
NCVO Guidance Page
From NCVO: This information is intended to help you decide what steps you and your organisation may need to take in light of the spread of the covid-19 virus.
Governance advice
Advice from Co-operatives UK: Advice on holding annual general meetings (AGMs) has been updated after liaising with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Full Facts
Facts on Coronavirus: A guide from the UK’s independent fact checking charity.
Government Support and Guidance
NEW Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Gov.uk tool: The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions beginning 5 January 2021.
Government announces new national restrictions across England
Update from Government: New guidance for businesses and venues following the announcement of national restrictions coming into force in England on 5 November 2020.
Government announces three tier system to determine local Covid alert levels
Update from Government: Announcement of a three tier system determined by level of Covid risk in an area. Each tier indicates a set of rules and regulations.
Coronavirus Job Support Scheme
Update from HM Treasury: New scheme starting on 1 November. The Government will pay a third of hours not worked up to a cap, with the employer also contributing a third. This will ensure employees earn a minimum of 77% of their normal wages, where the Government contribution has not been capped. In tier 3 areas where businesses are legally required to shut, the government will support eligible businesses through the Extended Job Support Scheme by paying two thirds of each employees’ salary (or 67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month.
Update on Coronavirus furlough scheme
Update from HM Treasury: Under the UK’s Job Retention Scheme Employers emploers can start to bring furloughed workers back part-time from July. The furlough scheme will remain available and will continue to pay 80% of salary on any hours that the employee cannot work.
NEW Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
Gov.uk tool: The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions.
Check the Covid alert level in your local area in England
Gov.uk tool: Search via postcode to check the Covid alert level of local areas in England.
Keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19
Advice from the Government: COVID-19 secure guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.
Bounce Back Loan
From the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: This scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus to access loans of up to £50,000.
Guidance for employees, employers and businesses
From the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: The Chancellor has set out a package of measures to support businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
AGMs and AMMs allowed to be postponed/held virtually
Update of Government legislation: The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act has been extended to relieve pressure on businesses dealing with coronavirus. It is now permitted to delay or postpone AGMs and AMMs until the end of 2020, and virtual online meetings are acceptable in this time.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
From HM Revenue & Customs: Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus
Guidance for employees, employers and businesses
From BEIS: The Chancellor has set out a package of measures to support businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Coronavirus – Business support launch
From HM Treasury: Businesses will be able to access government support from Monday 23 March to keep operating in the face of the global economic emergency brought on by coronavirus.
Guidance for Devolved Nations
Welsh Government Updates
From the Welsh Government: The latest updates and advice for Wales.
Wales Co-operative Centre Covid-19 updates
Wales Co-operative Centre: This page contains updated resources for co-operatives in Wales.
Business Wales guide
From Business Wales: A guide to the measures available to support businesses and workers across Wales.
Scottish Government Updates
From the Scottish Government: The latest updates and advice for Scotland.
NEW Coronavirus Restrictions Fund (£40m)
Scottish Government Announcement: Factsheet with guidance and information on eligibility and how to apply for a share of the £40 million fund to support businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Third Sector Resilience Fund
From the SCVO: The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) is a £20m emergency fund for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland.
Information Hub for Scotland
From SCVO:This information hub will be regularly updated with official information for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations in Scotland.
Northern Ireland Executive Updates
From the NI Executive: The latest updates and advice for Northern Ireland.
News articles
Irish Times: Pop up shops
From The Irish Times: The experience of a restaurant which has opened a pop up shop to help residents during the pandemic.
Cooperative & Community Finance: A Tale of Two Pubs
From Cooperative & Community Finance: A feature on the Cornwood Inn near Ivybridge and The Hive in Winsford (formerly called De Bees) in Cheshire.
Videos
Chief Executive Update
Update: As we enter a new year and another national lockdown, Plunkett’s Chief Executive, James Alcock, offers a message of support and reassurance to community businesses across the UK.
More Than A Pub
From The Abingdon Arms, Oxfordshire: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
More Than A Pub
From The Lamarsh Lion, Essex/Suffolk boarder: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
More Than A Pub
From The Craufurd Arms, Maidenhead: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
NHS: Coronavirus stay at home advice
He’s here to share information about coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, when you will need to stay at home and importantly, how long for.
More Than A Pub
From The Bevy, Brighton: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
More Than A Pub
From The Kings Arms Inn, Stockland: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
Chief Executive Update
Update: James Alcock with an update on the world of community business during the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
More Than A Pub
From The Crown, Hesket Newmarket: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
More Than A Pub
From The George & Dragon, Hudswell, North Yorkshire: Plunkett is sharing advice and experience from community pubs. If you have an experience to share get in touch by emailing communications@plunkett.co.uk
Webinar on COVID-19 and support for co-ops
Co-ops UK: Advice from representatives from Co-ops UK’s Advice, Policy and Membership teams. They also answered questions from co-operatives experiencing issues as a result of COVID-19.
