The Government has provided guidance on the support package it is making available to businesses through the period of disruption caused by Covid-19.

This includes a number of grants and reliefs available to small businesses and SMEs (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19)

We have received a number of enquiries from small businesses in respect of the grant funding of £10,000.00 being offered for all business in respect of small business rate relief or rural rate relief.

Carlisle City Council have yet to receive details of the grants being made available, but have confirmed that, when further information is available from central Government, they will update their website as to how the grant funding will be processed.

The Government guidance confirms that businesses eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief will be contacted by the local authority and no application will be necessary.

If you require any further assistance or information in respect of what might be available to assist your business in these uncertain times, please do not hesitate to contact dcarter@bpkcumbria.co.uk

We are closely monitoring and following Government guidance every day but have invested in the technology for some time to enable our people to work remotely if needed. Therefore, we are confident of being able to support our clients quickly and effectively whatever the Government advises in the coming days and weeks.