Many of the business support organisations in Northern Ireland, as well as government departments, are prepared to help businesses navigate the COVID-19 outbreak.
The NI Business Info team have put together a wide range of resources to help businesses in Northern Ireland.
NI Business Info have produced a quick guide for businesses, outlining available support and eligibility criteria.
3 in 5 businesses have reported a significant fall in income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with most businesses claiming they will run out of money in the next 6 months. This is according to the latest COVID-19 survey conducted by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and business advisors BDO.
The survey, which was carried out during the period 22-24 April 2020, was a follow-up to the first COVID-19 impact survey published by NI Chamber & BDO earlier this month.
The NI Chamber of Commerce have launched a COVID-19 Information Hub which gives key business information from the Chamber including FAQ's, Guidance and Advice and the Chambers response.
NI Direct is frequently updated to reflect new regulations and measures brought in by the NI Executive. It also provides information and updates on COVID-19.
InvestNI has an online resource for our customers and Northern Ireland businesses affected by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Invest NI are providing support and guidance for businesses. They are actively working with stakeholders to develop business continuity programmes for all businesses across Northern Ireland
Alongside their NI Business Info website they also have a dedicated helpline for businesses: 0800 181 4422
Tourism NI has set up a dedicated telephone line service and online enquiry facility for the tourism industry.
Please call 028 9592 5313, lines open Monday to Sunday 9-5.
Outside of these hours please submit an online query via the Tourism NI website contact us form.
Tourism NI is there to help the Tourism sector during this time. They are continuing to provide regular updates and support.
Tourism NI have put together a specific programme of support for Tourism Businesses. A variety of webinars are available for businesses on topics including, cash flow, business resilience and leadership and working capital management.
InterTradeIreland have put together business guides which summarise key government supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Heath and Safety Executive have released COVID-19 Safety Measures Advice for Businesses. This information can be viewed here.
If you employ people, you should review your risk assessments based on the most up to date information provided by the Public Health Authority. HSENI have released an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Labour Relations Agency has a wide range of information available for employers and employees on how to handle the Coronavirus outbreak.
The LRA have put together practical information for employers and employees on the Job Retention Scheme
The Workplace Information Service provides information to employers and employees about employment matters.
Telephone 03300 555 300
The Princes Trust helps support young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 with their businesses and business ideas.
Contact Details:
The British Safety Council are offering free training to employers to help them make the change to a remote workforce. The courses include:
Remote Workers - Health, Safety and Welfare course
Managing Stress within your Team course
Hospitality Ulster are providing up to date support and guidance for the Hospitality Industry. They have launched a hotline for members affected by COVID-19.
This hotline which can be accessed for free by calling 07736284764 will provide members affected by COVID-19 with all the necessary legal guidance as they face many difficult challenges now and in the coming period.
Sport NI released a sports hardship fund to help organisations and clubs. Sport NI recognise the huge contribution that your club, and so many other sport clubs and organisations, are making on a daily basis to provide community resilience through the current emergency and the unique challenges that the current essential public health restrictions present to you in maintaining your club and facilities.
NOTE: Sport Northern Ireland has suspended new applications to the Sports Hardship Fund pending confirmation of additional funding
FSB have put together various information and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed.
| Bank | Link |
|---|---|
| Allied Irish Banks | https://aib.ie/ |
| Bank of Ireland | https://www.bankofireland.com/coronavirus-update/ |
| Danske Bank | https://danskebank.co.uk/important-information/coronavirus-info |
| Ulster Bank | https://digital.ulsterbank.co.uk/personal/help-and-support/coronavirus.html |
| Santander | https://www.santander.co.uk/business/coronavirus |
| Barclays | https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/coronavirus/ |
| Halifax | https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/coronavirus/ |
| British Business Bank: | https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-2/ |
| Bank of England | https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/coronavirus |
| HSBC | https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/gb/campaign/coronavirus |
The IoD Coronavirus Hub is designed to provide you with access to the latest Covid 19 business advice, information and resources you need.
The AND business team is here to support you.
For further information or if you need help and advice, please get in touch via email or telephone 028 9147 3788.
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