We are working closely with the Government to get businesses the support they need. On this page we have set out a few things that as a small business operating in the Solent region you should consider.
Solent LEP Growth Hub
The Solent LEP Growth Hub service is open as usual and you can contact the team using the contact forms available on our website, get in touch via email at or via phone on 023 9268 8055.
The Mentoring for Growth Programme
Mentoring for Growth is a national programme designed to support SME business growth across England. This initiative is available to SME business leaders who can benefit from the knowledge, expertise and advice of a senior corporate mentor for up to 12 months. This Programme has been brought to the Solent in partnership with Be the Business. This Programme is aimed at businesses with at least £250,000 turnover and more than 3 employees. Mentees are usually business owners or senior decision makers. Mentors can provide a sounding board for difficult decisions, support in the development of suitable strategies for the future, and managing staff, cash flow and resilience.
For more details email or call our Growth Hub team on 023 9268 8055.
Business Resilience
The Solent LEP has launched a new Business Resilience Programme in partnership with leading accountants and business advisers, BDO. By taking part in this programme you receive 12 hours of fully-funded one-to-one support that will help you identify critical issues, and suggest actions for building up resilience.
Click here to find out more about taking part and to apply for this programme.
Government Support Schemes
To identify whether your business is eligible for any of the Government support schemes, use the interactive Coronavirus Support Finder Tool.
FSB membership and Coronavirus Support
As experts in business, FSB offer their members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. Their mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. They are a not-for-profit organisation, led by a team of their members, which exists to serve the small business community across the UK.
Starting at just £147 in the first year plus a £30 joining fee for businesses with no employees we pride ourselves in supporting smaller businesses like yours. Click here for more on FSB membership.
FSB also offers a comprehensive Coronavirus Hub. This links to all the latest business support available throughout the crisis. The FSB Coronavirus hub also provides links to Webinars focusing on different aspects.
Open to FSB members and non members:
Portico: Looking for alternative options for your supply chains?
Portsmouth Port have an initiative for SME businesses who are looking for alternative options for their supply chains. It’s aimed at traffic that might otherwise choose the Dover / Calais straits crossing and also to build on our current links to the Port of Antwerp.
For more information click here.
Remote working advice
With an increasing need for self-isolation and social distancing, many businesses are making the move towards remote working, or working from home.
For those who are moving towards dispersing their operations into people's homes, there is much advice and support:
Getting the most from remote working
Coronavirus: five tips on running a remote working drill
Protection from eviction for commercial tenants
All commercial tenants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. These measures will mean no business will automatically forfeit their lease and be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment up until 30 June. There is the option for the government to extend this period if needed.
This is not a rental holiday. All commercial tenants will still be liable for the rent. Commercial tenants are protected from eviction if they are unable to pay rent. Find out more here
Adapting your business during the coronavirus pandemic
Many businesses are being severely effected by the pandemic as their usual services, products or systems cannot continue in the current environment. There might be some ways that you can redeploy or adapt your activities during this period.
If you would like to discuss anything in more detail with our Advisers, email us so we can arrange a time to speak with you.
You can register your interest in receiving updates in relation to this support via email or stay in touch by signing up for our regular newsletters, and following our social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin) for messages about developing support packages.
