It comes as no surprise that the business community – now more than ever, is reaching out and looking for answers on how best to sustain their businesses as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to grip Scotland.
Since the pandemic we have been ensuring that our Business Gateway services carry on uninterrupted. Flexibility has been key in making this happen.
In a very short space of time, our core team of 16 advisers has adapted their operations to fit with the needs of our local businesses and their owners. Traditional face-to-face meetings are now carried out via video conferences or telephone calls, while all scheduled workshops are being delivered digitally, and continue to be as interactive as possible.
As we continue to work through week two of lockdown, we are answering a lot of questions around the grants which were announced by the Scottish Government last week. What is the small business bonus scheme? How do businesses find out their rateable value? And statements of confusion such as ‘I don’t pay rates and so I am not eligible?’
Our advisers are dealing with these queries daily and ensuring that those who are eligible know that they meet the criteria in order to successfully access funding.
HR enquires have also increased. Individuals are looking to understand how to put their employees on furlough, who are classed as key employees, and how the employee retention scheme works. We are working closely with experts to support these areas - as required, to provide comfort in how to deal with employees during these challenging times.
It is clear that while there is a wealth of information available to businesses for support, it has become overwhelming - and often confusing.
We are here to help dissect this information into simpler terms, pulling out the key areas which in turn will ensure your business remains dynamic in the weeks and months ahead of us.
So far, COVID-19 has demonstrated that mankind is willing to stand together, to do everything in our power to ensure we come out the other side healthy and safe.
At Business Gateway, this is the approach we take when it comes to your business. We are here to provide guidance and reassurance, while reviewing the opportunities this pandemic may present for your business.
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