SME Brexit Support Fund open for applications

The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice, if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover.

Traders can apply for up to £2,000 in total through two types of grants:

Grant for training: can be used to provide training on the following:

• How to complete customs declarations 
• How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems 
• Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin

Grant for professional advice: can be used to get professional advice, so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.

Find out more information on eligibility on the GOV.UK website.

Applications will close on 30 June 2021 or earlier, if all funding is allocated before this date.

Coronavirus business grants deadline set for 31 March

On 31 March, all local restrictions support grant schemes (LRSG) - for tier two, tier four and national lockdowns - and the current ARG scheme will close. The council will not be able to consider grants for businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions from November 2020 to March 2021 applied for after this date.

To find out more and apply for the grants, visit: www.easthants.gov.uk/business-support

All businesses can now join workplace testing programme

All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the Government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme. Regular testing protects your workforce - and it means your staff can protect their loved ones and communities.

The deadline to register for the scheme is 31 March.

Alton testing site still open for business

Those who can't work from home (i.e. frontline workers, health care staff, supermarket staff) can still get tested twice a week at the testing site in Alton, if they are not showing symptoms.

If you work for a business with fewer than 50 employees (including self-employed people and tradesmen) you can book a free test.

Need support to keep your business Covid-secure?

East Hampshire District Council is here to help.

For advice and support about keeping your business as safe as possible for staff and customers, visit our website: www.easthants.gov.uk/covid-secure

Produced by East Hampshire District Council