Help business through these difficult times

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting all of us on a very personal level and it will undoubtedly provide significant challenges for many rural businesses over the coming weeks and months.

As a nation we have never been faced with a challenge quite like this. It is important for all businesses to be contingency planning and I would hope that the majority are already some way along this process. Areas such as cash flow, logistics, insurance, contracts and procedures to pay and protect employees, are just a few areas where business owners will be reviewing their processes. Diversified rural businesses such as those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors for example are being hit by a wide range of cancellations and postponements. With social distancing encouraged, it is making life increasing difficult for everyone from a personal and business perspective.

We are monitoring announcements of business support from the government very closely and lobbying hard to ensure rural businesses get the support they need. The Budget recently introduced some welcome support for small and medium sized businesses and this has now been increased with new financial measures announced by the Chancellor. Businesses in any sector of the economy who pay little or no business rates because they can claim small business rate relief or rural rate relief have not been overlooked. They can apply for a one-off grant of £10,000 each from their local authority to assist with ongoing business costs. Contact your local authority if you have any questions about

your eligibility.

We don’t know how long the coronavirus outbreak will continue to impact on every element of society. We must protect rural businesses through these very difficult weeks and months ahead to ensure we can sustain a vibrant economy once the risk and uncertainty begins to subside.

Michael Valenzia

Regional Director, CLA