A first-of-its-kind partnership has been formed to increase support for entrepreneurs and SMEs in kickstarting the growth of the UK economy post-pandemic. To help boost the bespoke support to the businesses which will be so vital to economic recovery, the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) - the UK’s leading professional learning institute specialising in business enterprise and business support - has formed an alliance with the SME Centre for Excellence (SME Co

The Government launched a new loan scheme to provide further support to protect businesses and jobs. Businesses - ranging from coffee shops and restaurants to hairdressers and gyms - can now access loans varying in size from £25,000, up to a maximum of £10 million. Loans will include an 80% government guarantee and interest rate cap. Full details are available via the Government website.

The Prime Minister has announced that the 2nd step in the road map out of lockdown is set to go ahead with the Government satisfied by data that justifies the further easing of restrictions. Step 2 in the roadmap will commence on Monday 12th April.

On Monday, the Prime Minister announced that everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus test twice a week from 9th April. Businesses can still apply for workplace testing until 12th April.

The National Living and Minimum wage increased for over 2 million eligible workers. This is effective from 1st April 2021 and includes apprentices. This comes as a response to level up the UK and provides equal opportunities for all as part of the plan to Build Back Fairer.

From the 29th March 2021, the flagship COVID-19 campaign will be Hands, Face, Space & Fresh Air. There are further key messages to 'take this next step safely'. The next step in the roadmap allows families to meet outdoors. View all the information surrounding COVID-19 here. Rather than communicating 'Stay local', people will now be told to minimise travel and to travel safely when they do. An update on workplace Coronavirus tests can be found here.

Furlough - Find out if you are eligible for the Job Rentention Scheme here. Self-employed - Find out what to do if you are getting less or no work as a result of COVID-19. More information is available here. What to do if you are employed but cannot work - Information available on Gov.uk Guidance for people who have lost their job due to COVID-19. Find out more here. Due to unprecedented challenges, the current climate is tough for all business owners. You don't have to face

The Government has released the roadmap out of lockdown, outlining the plans to reopen businesses in the coming months. From 29th March - Outdoor sports facilities such as: gyms swimming pools sports courts (such as tennis and basketball courts) golf courses, including mini golf water sports venues climbing walls driving and shooting ranges riding arenas at riding centres archery venues No earlier than April 12th - Non-essential retail will open such as: clothing stores and t