We know that Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had a huge impact on businesses across the Yorkshire Dales and many of you will have concerns. We, along many other organisations, would like to echo the support and advice that is already out there by creating this page with useful links and information for businesses. We will continue to update this page with the latest news and opportunities for Yorkshire Dales businesses.
Government advice
The Government and ACAS have published guidance for employers and businesses which will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to staff. You can find more Government guidance here.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) helps small and medium-sized businesses affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19), and which are outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme, to access loans of up to £50,000.
A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate small businesses including bed and breakfasts previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme with up to £617 million to be made available for local authorities in England.
Find the latest information here, such as the Government Covid 19 Winter Plan and information on National lockdown.
Latest government support for businesses.
District Council advice
Information about support available to businesses in North Yorkshire can be found via North Yorkshire County Council. This includes links to the relevant sections on the District and Borough Council websites for accessing business rates support, the Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grant Schemes plus links to the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The County Council have created a website to enable people to buy local and for North Yorkshire businesses and tradespeople who can work under Covid-19 restrictions to share what they offer with customers who need their services.
For businesses in the Cumbria area of the National Park, Cumbria Tourism has put together its own guidance and support pages.
North Yorkshire:
Richmondshire District Council
- Advice for businesses
- Support for businesses
- COVID business grants
- Support for businesses paying business rates
- Coronavirus – businesses and premises closure guidance
- Discretionary grants to small and micro businesses
- Business suport grants
- Coronavirus advice and information for businesses
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) community support
- Craven Community Group Coronavirus Grant Scheme
Lancashire:
Cumbria:
South Lakeland District Council
- COVID business support grants
- FAQs for business who require licences / permits
- COVID food and safety advice for businesses
- Community support available
- COVID food and safety advice for community food share schemes
- Business support grants
- COVID Local Restriction Support Grant (closed businesses) form
- COVID Local Restrictions Support Grant (for Open Businesses) form
- Additional business support
Destination Management Organisations
Welcome to Yorkshire
Welcome to Yorkshire is providing information and guidance specifically for businesses relying on visitors to the region, regardless of whether you are a member of their organisation.
Visit England/Visit Britain
Visit Britain, has all the latest information on Covid-19 specific to the tourism industry, and how the Government and its agencies are managing it. The advice covers topics such as funding and employee welfare, and includes information from both Government and non-governmental agencies. Here you can find a summary of the budget for the tourism and hospitality industry.
The ‘We’re Good to Go’ programme has been extended. Businesses can apply for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark which aims to provide confidence for tourism as the sector works towards reopening, allowing businesses across the sector to demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and check they have the required processes in place.
The scheme is free to join and open to all businesses across the sector. Other commercial schemes still remain available and this is not aimed at replacing them, should businesses wish to continue with their existing provider (e.g. AA or GTBS).
The registration links are live for Visit England Recovery webinars and can be found here.
VisitEngland’s Business Advice Hub features a dedicated section containing the support available to tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, from funding to guidance on mental health. Click below.
Find the latest updates on the Coronavirus pandemic from Visit Britain here.
VisitEngland/VisitBritain have prepared some messages encouraging responsible travel that makes a positive impact on local communities. Download the “Escape the Everyday Responsibly” assets from the link.
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Coronavirus Community Fund
The Coronavirus Community Fund has been established to support community groups through this difficult time, for more information and guidance, and the application form, please see links below:
- Coronavirus Community Fund Guidance Notes
- Coronavirus Community Fund Application Form YDMT
- Coronavirus Community Fund – Grants FAQ’s
Tourism Know How
Tourism businesses follow the Recovery Marketing Programme run by tourism specialist, Susan Briggs. There is no charge for any of this activity. You can also join the very supportive online Tourism Network community.
Other sources
Federation of Small Businesses has advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed on reducing the risks from coronavirus.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has launched a £50 million Heritage Emergency Fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak.