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HMRC have announced temporary zero rating of personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for use by Public Health England.  This is good news for care homes and others that are incurring significant additional costs on purchasing PPE at the moment but are unable to reclaim VAT.  The zero-rating is effect for supplies made between 1 May…

Although some sectors of agriculture are weathering the coronavirus storm quite well for others there are serious issues. For those whose cash-flow has been particularly impacted and who have loans or rent, land or buildings from SSAS or SIPP pension schemes a recent announcement from HM Revenue & Customs may offer some help:-   HMRC…

On Saturday, the Government announced a top up to the local business grants scheme fund. While details are currently scarce, the scheme is aimed to help businesses that did not qualify for a grant under existing grant schemes.   The fund can be distributed at the discretion of local authorities, but will be aimed at…

Business Bounce Back Loans are currently only being provided by the 9 main banks.   In addition, most of these banks are currently only making these loans available to their existing customers.   However, HSBC are accepting online applications from non-customers on their website.   For a the up to date list of lenders visit…

Key features of the BBLS:   The scheme is a 100% government backed initiative for small businesses.   You can apply* for a loan between £2,000 and £50,000 (up to a maximum of 25% annual turnover), for 6 years.   No repayments required for the first 12 months, and you won’t pay any charges should…

The claims service will open ahead of schedule on 13 May with money in bank accounts by 25 May.   HMRC have announced that from today (4 May) businesses can either go online to check their eligibility or wait to be contacted by HMRC.   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-invited-to-get-ready-to-make-their-claims-for-coronavirus-covid-19-support   Scams   HMRC will contact eligible customers to…

After reading a recent article in British Farmer & Grower magazine, it reminded me that although we as a country are going through a major pandemic right now, there is life after this. But what will life be like on Farms of the future with the majority of the seasonal workers having come from the…

The spread of Coronavirus is being exploited by criminals to carry out fraud and cybercrime. Latest data from police shows there has been an increase in Coronavirus related scams.   Any charity is at risk, but especially those providing services to the local community during this crisis. Common frauds and cybercrimes to be aware of…

Further changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) have been announced in order to speed up the provision of finance to small and medium-sized businesses under CBILS.   A joint statement from the seven largest SME lenders (Barclays Bank UK, Danske Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, Santander and Virgin Money) and UK Finance…

The Chancellor has announced that small businesses will benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders.   The Bounce Back Loan scheme will help small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000.   The government will guarantee 100% of the loan and there won’t be…