See our Covid-19 hub for news and updates.
England
The Government has published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England, starting with the reopening of schools on 8 March. It then tentatively sets out plans to reopen non-essential retail, including hairdressers, nail salons and outdoor hospitality venues on 12 April, subject to vaccine deployment and infection rates.
This provides much needed clarity for small businesses in England, but FSB has called for the Chancellor to deliver on the Prime Minister's -whatever it takes' pledge at next week's budget.
FSB National Chair Mike Cherry told the Guardian, Sky News and the Financial Times how more support is needed as England exits lockdown.
Scotland
This week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon published a revised Strategic Framework for the re-opening of the Scottish economy. According to the document, the country could return to the regional levels system from 26 April.
FSB has called for more detail about what economic activity can resume under the different levels, so that Scottish businesses can plan ahead.
Wales
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a 3-week extension to the 'stay at home' rule last Friday, but signalled that the reopening of non-essential retail and close-contact businesses would be considered at the next review in three weeks' time. FSB has called for an extension of business rates relief support and further support for affected sectors.
Northern Ireland
Current restrictions are in place until 1 April, with a review on 18 March. The NI Executive will publish its -pathway to recovery' early next week which will set out the next steps of easing lockdown.
TRANSITION
The transition period came to an end on December 31 2020. If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, you will need to change your procedures and complete additional paperwork. See FSB's transition hub for further advice.
Export opportunities
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has launched a new campaign to help UK agriculture and food and drink businesses make the most of new export opportunities across the world.
Partnering with Japan
The Minister for Exports, MP Graham Stuart, will launch the Partnering with Japan - Spring 21 Free Trade Agreement Series on March 2. The event will provide expert insight into the Japanese market.
LATEST NEWS
FSB's budget asks
FSB is encouraging the Chancellor to use the March 3 budget to address gaps in the business support landscape as its latest research highlights the shortcomings of a sector-based approach. Our asks, published in Inews this week, include the extension of business rates exemptions, adjustments to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and the launch of a new Directors Income Support Scheme (DISS).
Entrepreneurship is the route out of recession
FSB National Chair Mike Cherry told the Guardian how we saw 83,000 new e-commerce websites set up in the UK over the first lockdown as part of a piece on the future of entrepreneurship.
ADVICE AND OPPORTUNITIES
Connecting the military with businesses
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) in collaboration with The Supply Chain Sustainability School, is bringing together the military community to connect with construction firms. The event, on 22 April from 8.30am to noon, is open for business owners with a military connection who are operating or supplying to the construction industry or are looking to expand to this sector. Registration is essential.
Budget media opportunities
If you are interested in providing your thoughts to the media ahead of the Chancellor's budget on March 3, please e-mail us. If you get in touch, please accept our thanks in advance, we may not be able to respond to every message.
Supporting refugee entrepreneurs
FSB is working with The Centre for Entrepreneurs, which is hosting an event to share the findings and recommendations from a year-long pilot scheme on refugee entrepreneurship support. The online event will be held on 29 March.
JOIN BIG VOICE AND MAKE YOUR BUSINESS HEARD
Big Voice is FSB's unique online research community for members. By responding to one of our surveys, members give us the evidence we need to engage with politicians around the world on the subjects that matter to you.