Both Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils continue to liaise closely with the UK and Scottish Governments and will provide clear and concise information for all businesses to ensure timely access to accurate information about all available support.
Together with partner organisations, both local authorities will work, as far as is practically possible, to lessen the negative impact that is being felt from the effects of COVID-19. We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for your business and are here to support you.
Find Business Support Coronavirus advice for businesses in Scotland. Updated daily.
Business Support Finder A webtool to enable businesses and those who are self-employed to quickly identify the support available to them by filling out a brief online questionnaire. Start now.
Business Support Grants & Rates Relief Business grants & rates relief are available to businesses. Find out more.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme This scheme is designed to preserve jobs and reduce the number of workers made redundant due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. It has been extended until the end of March 2021.
If your business has closed or is struggling due to the pandemic, you can apply to furlough employees (put them on temporary leave) rather than make them redundant. Once furloughed, the UK Government will provide a grant to cover 80% of the wages of these employees up to a maximum of £2,500 a month, as well as the National Insurance and pension contributions that go with this subsidised furlough salary.
*Please note: This scheme is not being administered by local authorities. Employers will need to apply directly to HMRC via the online portal.
Kickstart Kickstart is the UK Government scheme providing funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Find out how your business can get involved: Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council
Business in the Community Small Business Support Business in the Community (BITC) is the Prince’s Responsible Business Network. BITC's members across the UK are seeking to find innovative ways to support small businesses through the pandemic and beyond so that they and their communities can thrive and be resilient for the future. Find out more.
Flexible Workforce Development Fund Provides employers in Scotland who are UK Apprenticeship Levy-payers with flexible workforce development training opportunities. Full details.
Tax Helpline If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 015 9559. Lines are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and on Saturday, 8am to 4pm.
Filing Accounts with Companies House Businesses will be given an additional 3 months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.
Business Loans A number of business loans have been made available to support businesses through these challenging times. Find out more.
The Skills Toolkit Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills. Guidance for UK Businesses Trading Internationally This is new guidance for UK businesses who are trading internationally. Find out more about the support.
Insurance The Association of British Insurers have issued a statement on business insurance cover here and have a COVID-19 Q&A here which includes business insurance, trade credit, income protection and pensions and investments.
