Government support for businesses

There are several schemes that have been set up by the government to provide financial support for businesses.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes

There are now several different loan schemes in place to help businesses affected by the Covid-19 outbreak to access bank lending and overdrafts. The distinct schemes are designed to support different kinds of organisations, dependent on size and financing need. 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

All UK employers with a PAYE scheme are able to access this support in order to continue paying part of the salary for those employees who would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis (‘furloughed workers’). 

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate

This initiative allows small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay paid for staff absence due to coronavirus

HMRC tax helpline

HMRC has set up a helpline for businesses and self-employed people who are concerned about paying their tax due to COVID-19.

Three-month VAT Deferral

Defer Valued Added Tax (VAT) payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020

Small business grant funding 

Available for small businesses in England that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief, rural rate relief and tapered relief.

Some aspects of business support are devolved. For business support outside of England go to Scotland, and Wales.

Support for charities and social enterprises

Guidance for charities is available from:

Support and resources for social enterprises has been compiled by:

The Good Finance Resource Hub

Good Finance has set up a resource hub offering information, resources and tools to support charities and social enterprises through COVID-19.

Support for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors

Business rates holiday 

Available in England for the 2020-21 tax year.

Cash grants

Available in England, of up to £25,000 per property.

Support for arts and culture sector

Arts and culture organisations can find advice, emergency measure and funding from:

Support for health and social care sector

Health and social care organisations are provided with guidance by:

Support for early years sector

Business rates holiday for nurseries 

Available in England for the 2020-21 tax year. 

Support for food and agriculture sector

The Soil Association is providing support for sustainable food and agriculture organisations.

Coronavirus support for businesses

The Covid-19 outbreak reminds us of our interdependency as human beings and that a global crisis like this one, affects all of us. At Triodos Bank UK, our customers come first and we’re here to support you through this uncertain time. Find out more about support from the bank, including fraud advice and frequently asked questions.