iSE CIC | COVID-19 Summary and Sector Updates
We are starting to roll out updates, resources and new services re-shaped and focused on the impact of COVID-19 on Birmingham & Solihull social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and the wider sector.
Firstly, the team and our networks have been working incredibly hard to review information and still maintain the ‘day job’ while managing many additional communications across iSE CIC, Digbeth Social Enterprise Quarter and the Women’s Enterprise Hub.
Secondly, we’re also aware there is a vast range of information being shared from many different sources… some well-founded, some a little less so which can add to individual stress and anxiety (personally and professionally) at this time.
With this in mind, we have pulled together a number of references, resource documents and useful links that we feel provide robust and relevant information for the sector.
We also want to reaffirm a message of kindness, which has been embodied by the outpouring of positive community-minded action. We wanted to thank everyone who has messaged us, helped a neighbour or supported a colleague in recent weeks – it shows that a caring, civil society is about ‘us not me’ and we can all #DoMoreGood in these difficult times.
More updates will follow here, as and when there is new information that we can signpost you to.
Stay safe and well, and please get in touch if you need social enterprise guidance or support across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We will endeavour to help wherever and whenever possible.
Sarah Crawley (CEO, iSE CIC) | 0121 771 1411 | info@i-se.co.uk
Taking control of any challenging situation can help reduce your personal anxiety.
Here are our practical tips to help you manage your response to COVID-19 impacts on your enterprise or personal situation…
> Most of all, understanding your numbers is critical – identify and itemise what it costs to run your business each week or month. Be honest with yourself!
> How long can we ‘keep the lights on for’ – what’s your sustainability if your income reduces.
> Set up a spreadsheet with details of your staff, including their length of continuous employment, contract type, monthly/weekly cost and whether they are critical to the operation of your business.
> Make an appointment with your local Business Banking Manager and see if you can extend or apply for an overdraft or ask about the Corona Virus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – more information due 23rd March 2020.
> Speak to HM Revenue and Customs. They will suspend debt collection if you contact them and reach an agreement. In addition, the normal interest on deferred tax payments will be waived. Please accept that they will be inundated, and are only human – please be patient, and kind, they are knowledgeable and supportive if you approach them early.
HMRC Corona Virus Business Support Line: 0300 456 3565
HMRC Self Assessment Helpline: 0800 015 9559
> Join a local online group (Facebook is the most popular local platform for this) and seek support and ideas from other local businesses, whether it’s keeping your children occupied and educated while at home, activity packs, free things to do or businesses coming together with offers of support
> Share, collaborate and stay connected with your networks, whether it’s ideas, innovations or general support with others.
> Check Government guidance for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (released 14.04.20) HERE. See some further information from Enterprise Nation on Self Employed ability to claim early Universal Credits here.
> Check updates and what support is available on the Government website HERE. Additional Government CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS SUPPORT updates HERE.
> Check the latest health and well-being guidelines from NHS HERE
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SECTOR
GOVERNMENT – COVID Guidance for CICs
SEUK – Commission on Social Investment
SOCIAL VALUE UK – Announcing Community Groups
MARK SIMMS, P3 – Leading a Social Enterprise through COVID-19 Change
SOCIAL INVESTORS & LENDERS – Call for Emergency Liquidity Facility
GOOD FINANCE – Resource Hub for Social Enterprise Sector
COLEBRIDGE ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES – Business Briefing for Social Enterprise
SEUK – Corona Virus MicroSite
SEUK – Briefing for Social Enterprises
SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS – Preparing for Corona Virus
BVSC & Birmingham City Council – Communities Working Together
GOVERNMENT – Response Survey
PIONEERS POST ARTICLE – Social Enterprise Support
VOSCUR BRISTOL – Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector Updates
FINANCE
GOVERNMENT – Self Employed Income Support Scheme (latest 14.04.20)
BIG SOCIETY CAPITAL – New Lending Facilities for Social Enterprises
CHARITY BANK – Emergency Funding for Charities & Social Sector Organisations
IAN McLINTOCK – 93 (and rising!) Sources of Charity Funding (some may be open to Social Enterprises)
GOVERNMENT – Self Employed Statement (latest 26.03.20)
THOMAS + YOUNG – Support for the Self-Employed (latest 27.03.20)
GOVERNMENT – Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grant Update
BRITISH BUSINESS BANK – Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme opens for Applications
GOOD FINANCE – Funding & Investment Guidance
PIONEERS POST – Social Enterprise Grants, Loans and Funding
THOMAS + YOUNG – Thomas & Young COVID financial measures summary
THOMAS + YOUNG – Thomas & Young Small Business COVID19 Guidance
THOMAS + YOUNG – Thomas & Young Business rates guidance
PIONEERS POST – Social Investors Come Together
SOCIAL INVESTMENT BUSINESS – Covid19 Resources and Information
ENTERPRISE NATION – Temporary Income Protection Fund for Freelancers
ENTERPRISE NATION – Accessing Government Corona Virus Business Support
CROWDFUNDER – Free Fundraising for Your Business
RESONANCE – CEO Statement
BANKS – Funds are being made available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group, £5 billion from NatWest and £7 billion from Barclays
BVSC & HEART OF ENGLAND – Corona Virus Resilience Appeal
LEGAL
ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS – ACS COVID19 briefing(6687236.3) March 2020
ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS – eBriefings
THOMAS REUTERS – Global Corona Virus Toolkit
HR & VOLUNTEERS
ROOTS HR CIC – Managing People through COVID19
GOVERNMENT – Self Employed: Parliamentary Update (23.03.20)
GOVERNMENT ONLINE – Corona Virus Job Retention Scheme
MIND – Corona Virus and your Well-being
NCVO – Supporting Charities and Volunteers
INNOVATION
BVSC – Harnessing Digital Tools
PIONEERS POST – How Social Enterprises are Re-Thinking & Adapting
PIONEERS POST – 7 Social Enterprises Innovating through COVID-19
BREWDOG – Distilling Hand Sanitiser
TOAST ALE – Digital Tap Room
GENERAL
THE GUARDIAN – Self Employed Rights Article
GBSLEP – Guidance for Business
FIND IT IN BIRMINGHAM – Help for Birmingham Businesses
BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY – Sustainable Development Goals
BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE – Prepare for the Impact of COVID-19
FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESS – Advice Update
SPORT ENGLAND – Flexibility for Activity Contracts
MINISTRY OF HOUSING, COMMUNITIES & LOCAL GOVERNMENT – Expanded Retail Discount, Business Rates
GOVERNMENT – Guidance for Charities
CIVIL SOCIETY NEWS – Government Wages Scheme and Charities