The August 2020 Chamber Chat is available here.
Month: August 2020
Economy shows green shoots despite recession
The latest retail figures from the ONS (July 2020) show that retail sales are rising across the UK. In what is no doubt one of the toughest periods of trade for small businesses in recent history, it’s promising to see that consumers are gaining the confidence to go out shopping, eating and drinking once again.…
Proposed Local Government Reorganisation & Business Impact
Some important changes in local government are looming that will have an impact on our local economy and businesses. Currently some services in our district are provided by Harrogate Borough Council (HBC), while others are provided by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC). The government wishes to abolish this two-tier system and reorganise local government in York…
How changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 1st September may impact you
Further changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) become effective from 1st September. From 1st September CJRS will pay 70% of usual wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work. You will still need to pay your furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages…
Discretionary Grant Funding Now Open for Applications – Is Your Business Eligible?
Harrogate council’s Discretionary Business Grants Scheme is now open for applications. Launched on 12 August, phase three of the Scheme offers eligible businesses grants of up to £10,000, subject to specific criteria. A grant payment may be made by the Council to a business which has not previously qualified for a direct business grant and is…
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme: Second Grant
The second grant under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme,SEISS, opens for claims on 17 August. People eligible for the first grant and with a business adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020 will be able to make a SEISS claim. The maximum grant available is £6,570. This is the final SEISS grant, and it is not…
£20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills in the wake of coronavirus
Two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow their companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic were launched on 3rd August. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis spurs British businesses to adopt new ways of working, the government is investing £20 million to improve small businesses’ management, productivity and problem-solving skills through 2…