People may quit if forced to work from home, Rishi Sunak warns

With the pandemic forcing offices to shut, and the daily commute reduced to getting out of bed and walking down the stairs, many companies may consider scrapping having an office all together in a bid to reduce their overheads.

Reports suggest that the Chancellor is concerned that employees will consider leaving their roles if made to work from home full time, and is urging firms not abandon the office altogether, suggesting that we need to get back to some sort of normality. Having that office environment is a way for younger employees to understand how a company works and for some employees, the social interaction and a change of scene can benefit their mental health.

We have noticed that many banks have now opted for the ‘work from anywhere’ system, as they close some of their offices in a bid to reduce costs.

For the full story, click here. 

How your rural business can get a £3,500 boost for better broadband

The UK Gigabit Voucher Scheme is returning on 8 April 2021, to support rural small businesses in covering the cost of installing broadband.

Will I be eligible?

“Businesses will be asked to self-certify that they are a small or a medium-sized business.

This means that your business must have:

  • Up to 249 employees and an annual turnover no greater than £36m; and/or
  • An annual balance sheet not exceeding £18m

You will be asked to provide evidence of this status.”

To apply click here. 

For the full story, click here.

English tourism hotspots to get £56m boost to ‘prepare for great summer’

A welcome back fund will enable councils to revamp outdoor space. With the easing of the lockdown allowing pubs and restaurants to open outdoor areas only, businesses need that extra money to update their outdoor areas.

“The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government also said the funds could be used for publicity campaigns or to create events including markets and festivals.”

These measures will allow pubs to have marquees in their gardens for the duration of the summer, rather than the 28 days normally permitted.

For the full story, click here. 

Where to get your small business Restart Grant worth up to £18,000

A year on from the first lockdown, and with many grants rolled out to businesses to help them through this tough time, the government is launching the Restart Grant as a final boost back to normality.

This new grant for small businesses will roll out in England from April 1 2021.

“The Restart Grant is a new fund for business owners, helping them through what is hoped will be the final stages of Covid-19 restrictions.”

This new grant will be replacing both the monthly Local Restrictions Support Grant and the Local Restrictions Support Grant.

How much will I get?

“Non-essential retail will receive up to £6,000 per premises. Gyms, leisure, personal care, accommodation and hospitality businesses will receive up to £18,000.

The sum you’ll receive is based on your rateable value.

  • If your rateable value is £15,000 or less, you can claim up to £8,000
  • If it’s between £15,000 and £51,000, you can receive up to £12,000
  • If your rateable value is over £51,000 then you can claim up to £18,000”

For the full story, click here.

To sign up, click here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and find your council.