The current Coronavirus situation is an unprecedented and worrying time for the whole community, including businesses and employers.
West Sussex County Council is working with the Government and our partners to provide businesses with support, help and advice wherever possible.
The Government is providing COVID-19 guidance for employees, employers and businesses. Please check the government website regularly for updates.
Government has also announced a series of measures to help support businesses and employers during these unprecedented times. Visit the Government's business support web pages to find out more.
The district and borough councils in West Sussex will be administering some elements of the Government's business support package as follows:
- the business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
- cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a maximum rateable value of £51,000
- cash grants for businesses already receiving Small Business Rate Relief and/or Rural Rate Relief and who occupy property.
Information is available on the district and borough council web sites:
Other useful sources of information and advice:
Federation of Small Businesses
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub
Support is also being provided for individuals, businesses and employers in particular sectors:
Arts Council England have announced a £160 million support package for individual artists and for organisations who are currently funded to deliver projects or receive regular funding. Full details will be announced on 30 March.
Wired Sussex have set up a Slack channel for creative digital members and non-members to share information and offers of support such as getting started with e-commerce or legal advice. Wired Sussex also have a live jobs board and are collecting information to lobby the government.
Tech Nation have a wide range of resources to help the tech industry.
Visit England Business has a dedicated page on the Tourism Business Advice Hub to provide information on staff management, cleaning guidance, insurance, finance and more.
UK Hospitality is working with industry suppliers and Government to help redeploy industry talent. To register your interest, please email Richard Clifford.The Government is collating a central booking system for hotels willing to take NHS staff and other key workers. To offer support, please get in touch.
National Heritage Fund is running a survey to gather information about the immediate and longer-term impact of the pandemic. Responses will help to shape their rescue and recovery support which they will be announcing soon.
For more general information about COVID-19 for West Sussex residents visit the West Sussex County Council website.
