Coronavirus: Business Support Measures

The Government has made a series of announcements in the Budget last week and over the last few days on measures to support businesses during this difficult time. [Update 23 March 2020 - see the Coronavirus: Business Support Measures [23rd March Update]. ] We are regularly updating information about these on our www.Folkestone.works website, including:

• Details on how to access the hardship funds and loans, as this emerges;
• Other information that might find useful, including sector specific announcements;
• Links to government and other business association websites.

Please click on the link below to a summary of the most recent announcements, including today's announcement on the British Bank's website that applications for the Government-backed loan scheme for businesses will be available from 23 March 2020.

https://folkestone.works/2020/03/measures-to-help-business-update/

In view of the particular difficulties facing the retail and hospitality sector, the council has introduced a new Folkestone & Hythe District Council Retail & Hospitality Business Support Programme for independent businesses across the district. Find out more detail about this scheme and how it can be accessed.

We understand the difficulties that business is facing at this difficult time. However, if you have any specific coronavirus-related issues that feel it is important to share, then we are keen to hear from you. The Council is constantly looking at ways to support our business community through this difficult period and we can also pass on any intelligence directly to the Government through our own channels. Please send any emails to economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

I wish you all well in these difficult times.