While the approach to the Covid-19 health crisis is changing on a daily basis we think it is important to keep everyone informed of the latest advice and what resources are available for businesses and employees affected by the emergency.
New one-off payments available for local businesses forced to close due to the national lockdown >>>
Reading Borough Council has now received detailed guidance from Government on the Closed Business Lockdown Payment – a one-off grant payment for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. The grant is to help businesses manage the impacts of the national lockdown through to Spring 2021. More information on the grant and how to apply can be found here.
New Council business grants webpage>>>
Reading Borough Council has created a single webpage detailing all of the different business grants currently available.
Chancellor announcement - one off grants for leisure, hospitality and retail business
The Chancellor has announced grants of between £4000 - £9000 per property (depending on ratable value) for these sectors forced to close until mid February. This is on top of previous grants.
UK national lockdown 3 restrictions (Stay at Home)
Includes which business can remain open.
Grants for Reading businesses impacted by the latest Tier 4 restrictions are now open for applications. The funding is available to support rate-paying businesses required to close and severely impacted by the restrictions. For more information and to apply, visit Reading Borough Council's website >>>
The Government has announced that Reading, along with all of Berkshire and much of the South East will be in Tier 4 from 00:001 on Sunday 20 December. Find out what this means>>>
Check what financial support your business is entitled to on the Government website>>>
Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed businesses)
For businesses that are required to close under Tier 3, including hospitality venues, accommodation, leisure and sports facilities....Apply to Reading Borough Council.
Furlough scheme extended until April
The Chancellor has announced a further month extension to the scheme.
Reading and surrounding areas in Tier 2 from 2 December
Read summary of rules for Tier 2
Takeaway services permission extended
Restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services until March 2022
Chancellor announcement - 5 November
Second lockdown - new national restrictions commencing 5 November
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended to provide extra help for the self-employed. More information can be found here >>
For local business support and advice, please visit the Berkshire Growth Hub >>
Business rates relief mechanism, business grants administration and links to other advice and guidance
Job retention scheme, support for self-employed, business rates relief, grants and much more...
Reading Place of Culture programme funding for Reading Culture Live digital platform>>>
Reading UK's dedicated web page for Reading cultural sector with info on applying for ACE grants
Find it on the first page of the Helping someone claim section on the Understanding Universal Credit website.
Reading UK has teamed up with local creative marketing agency BH&P to create a marketing ideabook, aimed at supporting our local businesses with brand resilience and recovery planning during these challenging times.
A whole range of roles are available from porters to senior managers
While we recognise we’re only at the start of what will be a difficult journey we want to reassure you that Reading UK and its partners will be working together to formulate plans for economic recovery as soon as the timing is right.
How to access rate relief and business grants (podcast - 12 minutes)