COVID-19: THE LATEST
For all the latest news and updates, visit our Covid-19 hub.
The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a toolkit for employers to help ensure employees get reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Access the toolkit to get materials for you to run internal awareness campaigns, including key messages, posters, fact sheets and videos providing accurate, up-to-date information.
EU TRADE
If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, keep track of the latest changes and developments via FSB's transition hub.
NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
Q3 GDP figures show scale of challenge ahead
FSB responded to the ONS's GDP figures for Q3, which found that the level of quarterly GDP is 2.1% below where it was before the pandemic hit. FSB National Chair Mike Cherry said: "These deeply concerning figures point to the scale of the mammoth task that lies ahead in securing a sustainable economic recovery. We are now hurtling towards a flashpoint in April when the jobs tax and national living wage will rise at the same moment whilst business rates also kick in for many."
New laws to resolve pandemic rent arrears
The Government has published new laws, in the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill, which will "establish a legally-binding arbitration process for commercial landlords and tenants" to deal with commercial rent arrears which accrued over the course of the pandemic. The laws are due to come into force next year in England and Wales, with Northern Ireland to have a power in the Bill to introduce similar legislation. And as of 10 November, commercial tenants are protected from pandemic rent debt claims via County or High Court Judgment, or bankruptcy petitions. The Government has also published a revised Code of Practice for commercial property relationships, setting out how any disputes should be resolved.
COP26 draws to an end
Today is the final scheduled day of COP26, with an array of outcomes announced. Of particular relevance to small businesses, the COP26 declaration on accelerating the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans was published on Wednesday, while the Zero Emission Vehicles Transition Council has set out its action plan for 2022, stating that the transition to zero emission vehicles should be "just and sustainable".
International Trade Week
Next week (15-19 November) is the Government's first International Trade Week, offering support to exporters and businesses looking to grow their international trade. FSB's Head of International Affairs James Sibley said: "As we sign new trade deals around the world, it's vital that [small] businesses have the support and information they need to become successful small exporters as part of the Government's global Britain and levelling up ambitions." FSB is holding a webinar on 17 November, Navigating global trade: Unlocking your international potential, to help small firms looking to trade across borders.
Apprentice grant deadline
Any employer in England who hired an apprentice between 1 April and 30 September 2021 has until 30 November to claim the £3,000 incentive payment for each eligible apprentice.
VOA call for details
The Valuation Office Agency is asking all business ratepayers to send their full and up-to-date details to the VOA, to support Revaluation 2023.
Discovering and realising new opportunities in Asia
Join the Hong Kong Trade & Development Council on 18 November for a webinar exploring Hong Kong's unique role as a business hub and gateway to new opportunities in Asia. Expert speakers will examine topical issues in finance, business expansion in Asia, and healthcare. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, will deliver the keynote address. Find out more and register here.
Access to cash remains stable
The FCA has found that access to cash remained stable in its latest estimates, with 95.7% of the UK population are currently within 2km of a cash access point, and 99.7% within 5km. However, the number of larger bank and building society branches fell by 267 between Q1 and Q2.
£10 million nature fund
The second round of the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund is now open for applications, for grants of up to £100,000 for projects in England aiming to "tackle climate change, create and restore habitats, or improve water quality." Small businesses are able to apply, alongside environmental groups, local authorities, and others.
FSB webinars on inclusion and technical networking
FSB is holding free webinars next week, with Creating an inclusion culture in your business on Tue 16 November, and Networking - Let's Talk Technical on Wed 17 November, for anyone in engineering, manufacturing or transport looking to grow their contacts.
Safe working guidance updated
The Government's guidance on how to work safely during coronavirus in England has been updated, with information on managing risk, ventilation, self-isolation and reducing contact for workers added.
Freeport buildings allowance guidance
Companies which work on construction projects in designated Freeport tax sites can claim enhanced structures and buildings allowance relief, with new guidance from HMRC setting out the types of claim which are eligible.
HMRC tax webinars
HMRC has released recordings of two recent webinars, on Making Tax Digital for VAT and Risks for agencies and other businesses working with umbrella companies operating avoidance schemes, aimed at employers who use temporary labour.
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.