Swansea BID is working hard to keep stakeholders up to date with the latest news, updates and information as the coronavirus situation changes across the UK. We have created this new page to help do this which will be updated regularly as we get the information, but you can also keep an eye on our social media channels for updates as they come in.
The key information you need to know is listed first here, and regular updates are shared further down the page.
We are all in this together and we can and will emerge from this crisis with dignity and with resolve. NOW is the time for us all to be strong and for us all to realise that we can and will come through this working together to turn all our firepower on the virus.
Key information
Find coronavirus financial support for your business
Business support finder from gov.uk to help businesses find out what financial support is available to them.
COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses – updated 7.4.2020
Guidance from gov.uk for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus regulations: guidance – updated 6.4.2020
What you and businesses can and cannot do during the outbreak and what happens if you break these new laws.
Coronavirus – Information for individuals and businesses in Wales updated 6.4.2020
The latest guidance on the virus for people in Wales
Coronavirus – support for businesses updated 1.5.2020
Information from the Welsh government on business rate relief, grants and loans for businesses to help during the disruption caused by COVID-19.
ACAS advice for employers and employees reviewed 6.4.2020
Latest updates and information
22.5.2020
Swansea Bay City Deal Key to Economic Recovery Post-Covid
Leaders in South West Wales say the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal has a key role to play at the heart of the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19.
21.5.2020
Substantial investment to improve public transport and support economic growth announced by Welsh Government
£30 million is set to be invested in improving public transport and encouraging economic growth, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has announced.
20.5.2020
£500m Future Fund Opens for Applications Today
The government’s £500 million Future Fund opens for applications today with innovative and high-growth Welsh businesses able to secure investment to help them through the Coronavirus outbreak.
20.5.2020
Larger Businesses to Benefit from Loans of up to £200m
Businesses will be able to benefit from larger loans under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), the government announced today.
19.5.2020
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Scheme to Launch in May
A new online service will launch on May 26 for small and medium sized employers to recover Statutory Sick Pay(SSP) payments they have made to their employees, the Government has announced today.
18.5.2020
Everyone in Wales with symptoms can book a coronavirus test
Wales is joining a new UK-wide system for ordering home testing kits, in line with the Welsh Government’s Test Trace Protect strategy.
15.5.2020
Unlocking our society and economy: continuing the conversation
Document from Welsh Government on moving forward
13.5.2020
New plan published to Test, Trace and Protect in Wales
Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, has published a new strategy to test the public and trace the spread of coronavirus in Wales.
12.5.2020
Guidance – taking all reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace
Guidance under regulation 7A of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
12.5.2020
Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced today (Tuesday 12 May 2020).
11.5.2020
New guidance launched to help get Brits safely back to work
Government publishes guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely.
11.5.2020
Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces
The public is advised to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.
10.5.2020
First Minister of Wales’ message to the people of Wales
8.5.2020
Wales extends coronavirus lockdown
The coronavirus lockdown in Wales will be extended for a further 3 weeks, with minor adjustments proposed but maximum caution maintained to ensure the virus does not spread, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.
7.5.2020
Bounce Back Loans Scheme
All the information you need to know about the new loan scheme for small/medium businesses
7.5.2020
69,000 Bounce Back Loans Worth over £2 billion Approved in 24 Hours
More than 69,000 Bounce Back Loans worth over £2 billion have been approved during the first 24 hours of the scheme.
5.5.2020
Coronavirus and the law: what has been done differently in Wales?
5.5.2020
HMRC Invites Self-employed to Get Ready to Make Their Claims
This week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will start contacting around three and a half million customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to explain the application process and help them get ready to make a claim.
4.5.2020
New Bounce Back Loans to launch today
Britain’s small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to access loans of up to £50,000 from today – with the cash expected to land within days.
4.5.2020
New Bounce Back Loans for Welsh SMEs Launches Today
Welsh SMEs will be able to apply for quick and easy-to access loans of up to £50,000 from today – with the cash expected to land within days.
30.4.2020
BIRA Support Package
British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) have put together a membership support package to help businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
29.4.2020
£500 Million of Support Reaches Welsh Businesses
Half a billion pounds of relief grants has reached 41,000 small businesses in Wales in the space of just a few weeks.
28.4.2020
Guidance – apply for a coronavirus bounce back loan
This scheme will help small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to apply for loans of up to £50,000.
28.4.2020
Swansea BID Joins Plea to Government to #RaiseTheBar
Swansea BID (Business Improvement District) has joined a campaign to urge the Welsh Government to expand the rateable value threshold for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, to allow businesses that are currently missing out the opportunity to access the £25,000 grant in order to survive.
28.4.2020
New Online Training for Furloughed Workforce in Wales
New e-learning resources aimed at helping workers furloughed as a result of coronavirus to learn new skills are now live.
28.4.2020
Major Boost for Welsh SMEs as New Bounce Back Loans Announced
Small businesses in Wales will benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% UK Government-backed guarantee for lenders.
27.4.2020
UK Government and Welsh Government ministers host virtual Q&A with Welsh business leaders
Ministers from the UK Government and Welsh Government underline joint commitment to support businesses through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
27.4.2020
Businesses to receive first economic resilience fund grants
Businesses and organisations which have successfully applied to the Welsh Government’s £500m Economic Resilience Fund will start receiving grant payments by the end of this week.
27.4.2020
9,000 Welsh Firms Apply for Economic Resilience Fund Grants
Businesses and organisations which have successfully applied to the Welsh Government’s £500m Economic Resilience Fund will start receiving grant payments this week, Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates has announced.
24.4.2020
Furloughed workers to receive full parental leave entitlement
Furloughed workers planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than a furloughed pay rate.
24.4.2020
Revised coronavirus rules for Wales unveiled
The stay-at-home regulations have been revised in Wales to continue to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
23.4.2020
£36m Awarded to 585 Businesses in Just Three Weeks
585 businesses across Wales have been awarded funding totalling £36 million by the Development Bank of Wales since the Covid-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme was launched on Monday 30 March.
21.4.2020
Companies House Support for Businesses Hit by COVID-19
Changes announced will help businesses avoid being struck off the Companies House register as they deal with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
20.4.2020
UK government’s furlough scheme opens for applications
The UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has gone live today, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.
20.4.2020
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
A new ‘support finder’ tool will help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic.
20.4.2020
Welsh Government releases additional £100 million business support as Economic Resilience Fund sees unprecedented rate of applications
The latest phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund has benefited from the release of a further £100 million from ministers within 72 hours of launch, due to a massive demand.
20.4.2020
Online training for furloughed workforce during coronavirus pandemic
New e-learning resources aimed at helping workers furloughed as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) to learn new skills are now live, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has announced.
20.4.2020
New £1.25bn Support Fund Open to Welsh Businesses Driving Innovation
Welsh businesses driving innovation and development will be helped through the coronavirus outbreak with a £1.25 billion UK Government support package, the Chancellor has announced this morning.
20.4.2020
New guidance will help Wales stay safe and stay learning while dealing coronavirus impact
Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today published a policy statement called ‘Stay Safe. Stay Learning.’ which aims to support learners, leaders, governors, practitioners, parents and carers in dealing with the impact of coronavirus.
17.4.2020
Applications Process Opens for the Economic Resilience Fund
Applications can now be made for support from the second phase of the Welsh Government’s £500m Economic Resilience Fund.
17.4.2020
COVID-19 and your business: how to use video conferencing to stay connected
17.4.2020
Wales’ skills match service to help people find jobs during COVID-19 outbreak
A new online service, which will match employers with jobseekers looking for agricultural, land and veterinary work during the COVID-19 outbreak, has launched today.
16.4.2020
First Minister of Wales’ statement on coronavirus lockdown extension
First Minister of Wales’ speech on the COVID-19 lockdown extension following today’s COBR meeting.
16.4.2020
Chancellor expands loan scheme for large businesses
A government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms, the Chancellor announced today.
16.4.2020
Furlough: what the updated guidance clarifies
Informative article from Business News Wales on the latest furlough guidance.
15.4.2020
Covid-19: ACAS webinars and live chat on Twitter
ACAS are running online Coronavirus webinars for employers. The webinars provides practical advice for employers to help manage the impact of coronavirus in the workplace, and you can register to watch their latest webinar recording.
14.4.2020
Online support available to Welsh businesses affected by Covid-19
Business Wales has launched a new series of digital courses and webinars, aimed at Welsh SMEs affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
14.4.2020
New rules to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak
New rules to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak have been announced.
14.4.2020
Keeping your business safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
Helpful guides from Swansea BID on keeping empty business premises safe and cyber security while working from home.
13.4.2020
Furlough information from Peter Lynn and Partners.
Peter Lynn and Partners have created a useful video answering questions related to how furlough will work for businesses.
12.4.2020
Updated information on furlough for businesses
Swansea BID have created an infographic with the key information you need to know on furlough
11.4.2020
New app launched to track and trace coronavirus
First Minister Mark Drakeford and NHS Wales are appealing to the Welsh public to download a new COVID Symptom Tracker app to help the NHS response to COVID-19 in Wales.
10.4.2020
Details of the NEW Economic Resilience Fund Have Been Announced
The Welsh Government have released further information about the fund, including eligibility criteria for businesses and charities to enable them to prepare to apply.
10.4.2020
COVID-19: Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus
HMRC has published new online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep.
10.4.2020
Barclay’s launches £100 million Covid-19 community aid package
Article detailing new aid package from Barclays
9.4.2020
Swansea SME’s receive £13.2M in support grants
Hundreds of small businesses are seeing millions of pounds dropping into their bank accounts as Swansea Council works flat-out to support them during the Coronavirus pandemic.
9.4.2020
First Minister and Wales’ emergency services call on people of Wales to save lives this Easter.
An unprecedented letter from First Minister Mark Drakeford and signed by Wales’ emergency and health services and council leaders, calls on the Welsh population to stay at home and save lives over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
9.4.2020
Welsh food and drink makers offered free marketing support
In an effort to help independent food and drink businesses survive the coronavirus lockdown, an online marketplace and marketing platform dedicated to Welsh produce is waiving all commission until at least 1 May.
9.4.2020
How to perfect a business continuity plan for remote working
Useful article from Business News Wales on creating a business continuity plan.
8.4.2020
The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
8.4.2020
Coronavirus – letter to the retail sector
Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, to those working in retail.
8.4.2020
£100 million development bank of Wales load scheme fully subscribed in first week
The COVID-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme is fully subscribed after more than 1,500 applications were received in just over one week.
7.4.2020
£18m for the creative industries and sport sectors in Wales
Article from Business News Wales on package of measures, announced by Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, that will help support the sector, safeguarding businesses and jobs.
7.4.2020
Taking all reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace
Guidance from Welsh Government
7.4.2020
£20m competition for businesses with ideas to help society in the Covid-19 pandemic
Welsh businesses with innovative ideas that will help the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic can now enter a competition to get all their project costs paid.
6.4.2020
Foreign Secretary’s statement on coronavirus
Latest press briefing on the government’s response to coronavirus outbreak.
6.4.2020
£150 million grant support reaching businesses, with more to come
Businesses have received almost £150 million in support grants in the first week of the business support scheme.
6.4.2020
Coronavirus – supply and demand resources platform
Information from Business Wales on a platform that enables all companies in Wales and beyond to share supply and demand opportunities resulting from the current economic and trading situation due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
6.4.2020
Workplace social distancing set to become law in Wales
New rules to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak will come into force on Tuesday morning, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.
6.4.2020
£5M relief fund for young entrepreneurs affected by coronavirus
The Prince’s Trust and NatWest have announced the launch of a £5million fund to help young entrepreneurs across the UK to keep their businesses afloat during the coronavirus crisis.
6.4.2020
Coronavirus – debt implication and safeguards
Article from Business News Wales on the impact of coronavirus on finances.
5.4.2020
Business Secretary appeals to everyone to stay calm and carry on the good work
Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, writes for The Sun on Sunday thanking workers and businesses for their support during the coronavirus pandemic.
5.4.2020
Testing for coronavirus
Updated information from Welsh Government on testing for coronavirus
3.4.2020
What Does it Mean to be Furloughed?
What does it mean to be furloughed? Kate Palmer, Associate Director of Advisory at global employment law consultancy, Peninsula, explains..
2.4.2020
Welsh Businesses Adapt to Covid-19 Outbreak in Variety of Ways
Interesting article from Business News Wales on how some businesses are adapting in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
1.4.2020
Latest Coronavirus update from Swansea council
Includes information on financial support for businesses
1.4.2020
£18m support for the culture, creative and sport sector in Wales
The package of measures, which was announced by Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas today, will help support the sector, safeguarding businesses and jobs.
1.4.2020
Business Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 1 April 2020
Business Secretary Alok Sharma gave the 1 April 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1.4.2020
COVID-19: Check which expenses are taxable if your employee works from home due to coronavirus
1.4.2020
Development Bank Launches £100m Covid-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme
The Development Bank of Wales have launched a £100 million fund to support businesses in Wales affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
31.3.2020
Coronavirus update from Swansea council
31.3.2020
The Coronavirus Lockdown: An Employer’s Duty of Care for Remote Workers
Employers still have a duty of care for employee well-being, so far as is reasonably practicable, even when they are working from home. Here are some important considerations for employers with remote workers.
31.3.2020
Financial Support and Grants
Information from Business Wales on the financial support available to businesses impacted by the coronavirus.
31.3.2020
Keeping empty commercial properties safe from crime
A document from Swansea BID with advice on preventing crime in relation to commercial properties that are currently empty as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
31.3.2020
COVID-19: Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed
Workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry it over into the next 2 leave years, under measures introduced by the UK Government on Friday 27 March 2020.
30.3.2020
New £500 million Economic Resilience Fund launched for Wales
First Minister Mark Drakeford has today announced a new £500 million fund to provide extra support to the Welsh economy, businesses and charities experiencing a sharp drop in trading as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
30.3.2020
Foreign Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 March 2020
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 30 March 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
30.3.2020
Coronavirus and childcare provision
Guidance from the Welsh Government on childcare for parents and childcare providers during the coronavirus pandemic.
30.3.2020
Welsh government to announce £1.1bn funding
A £1.1bn support package for the economy and public services in Wales is to be unveiled this week.
30.3.2020
Grants to Start Reaching Businesses in Wales This Week
Businesses will start receiving emergency coronavirus grants by the middle of this week, Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates confirmed.
30.3.2020
New Coronavirus Business Support Hub Launches
The South Wales Chamber of Commerce has created a dedicated platform for businesses to connect and support each other during the coronavirus pandemic.
30.3.2020
Government cracks down on spread of false coronavirus information online
Specialist units are operating to combat misinformation about coronavirus and five to ten incidents are being identified and tackled each day.
29.3.2020
New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak.
People struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will be offered additional online support and practical guidance to help them cope.
28.3.2020
New coronavirus smart test for Wales
Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced plans to introduce a smart test to identify if people have had coronavirus in Wales – helping front line staff get back to work.
27.3.2020
Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed to support key industries during COVID-19.
Workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry it over into the next 2 leave years.
26.3.2020
Welsh government business grants
How to apply for the business grants created in response to the coronavirus outbreak – for businesses in city and county of Swansea.
26.3.2020
Furlough leave update – the job retention scheme
Selena Baker, Associate Director of Greenaway Scott, summarises what we know and what we do not yet know about Furlough leave.
26.3.2020
Financial support for the self-employed as a result of coronavirus
Millions of self-employed individuals will receive direct cash grants though a ground-breaking UK-wide scheme to help them during the coronavirus outbreak, the Chancellor announced today.
26.3.2020
Increase to working tax credits
As part of a number of measures to support the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Working Tax Credits payments will be increased by £1,045 to £3,040 per year from 6 April 2020 until 5 April 2021.
26.3.2020
Latest coronavirus update from Swansea council
26.3.2020
New powers to enforce social distancing come into force in Wales
The First Minister has signed into law new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers in Wales.
26.3.2020
Grants to start reaching businesses
Businesses will start receiving emergency coronavirus grants by the middle of next week, Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates confirmed today.
26.3.2020
Welsh Government business grants
The Welsh Government has announced a £1.4bn support package for all businesses listed on the business rates register, covering Business Rate Relief and Business Grants
You can also find the information on these grants here.
25.3.2020
Coronavirus update from Swansea council
A round up of the latest news and changes from Swansea council in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.
25.3.2020
Advice on home working for employers during the Covid-19 outbreak
Advice from Business Wales for those who have employees working from home at the moment.
25.3.2020
Government to provide free car parking for NHS and social care staff
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is giving immediate financial backing for all NHS trusts to provide free car parking to NHS staff for the duration of coronavirus (COVID-19).
25.3.2020
Prime Minister’s statement
The transcript of Boris Johnson’s latest statement about the coronavirus outbreak
25.3.2020
Government launches coronavirus information service on WhatsApp
The UK Government has today launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp.
25.3.2020
Swansea BID work with NCP and Local Authority to provide free city centre car parking to key workers
25.3.2020
Companies to receive 3-month extension period to file accounts during Covid-19
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.
25.3.2020
Vehicle owners to be granted MOT exemption due to coronavirus outbreak
Vehicle owners will be granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities.
24.3.2020
Protection from eviction for commercial tenants
Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction.
24.3.2020
Support for the third sector
Document of advice and support for the third sector and charities during the disruption caused by Covid-19
24.3.2020
Response to Covid-19 economic crisis
A written statement from Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, and Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales addressing the impact of Covid-19 on the economy.
24.3.2020
Coronavirus – closure of businesses and premises
Link to a pdf with latest information on non-essential businesses and premises that must shut from 23.3.2020
24.3.2020
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
Updated information on staying away from others.
24.3.2020
Business Wales launches new webinars to help SMEs manage the impact of Covid-19
Business Wales is launching a new package of support for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
23.3.2020
Prime Minister’s address to the nation
Transcript of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to the nation with the latest information
23.3.2020
Extra protection for businesses with ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments
Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of coronavirus will be protected from eviction.
22.3.2020
Statement from First Minister Mark Drakeford about travelling in Wales and social distancing
22.3.2020
First Minister launches Looking Out For Each Other campaign in Wales
First Minister Mark Drakeford has launched a new campaign about how to help people who are staying at home because of coronavirus.
19.3.2020
Additional support for businesses in dealing with Covid-19
“Following our announcement of a £200 million package of support for businesses on 17 March, the Welsh Government is today announcing that we will be providing almost £1.4 billion of support for businesses during this difficult period…”
19.3.2020
Ministers announce new £1.4bn business support package
Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and the Minister for Economy, Ken Skates have announced a new £1.4bn business support package to help businesses across Wales.
17.3.2020
Support for businesses in dealing with Covid-19
A written statement from Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Finance and Trefnydd