Warrington is currently subject to national coronavirus restrictions in line with the government's roadmap. 

The restrictions that were due to be lifted on 21 June have been extended for a minimum of four weeks. More information about what this means for businesses can be viewed on the government's website.

At present, there is no additional business support that is being made available by the government to cover the these additional weeks. If this situation changes, we will update this page. 

April 2021 - roadmap out of lockdown

Restart Grants

The government has announced that the majority of businesses who were previously eligible to receive Local Restrictions Support Grant will receive a Restart Grant in April 2021.

The Restart Grant replaces Local Restrictions Support Grant and is a one-off payment. The award amount varies on two factors – the sector a business trades within and the Rateable Value of the business premise.

If your business trades in the non-essential retail sector, then the Restart Award your business is eligible to receive is based on the Rateable Value of your premise(s):

• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is less than £15,000, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £2,667
• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is between £15,001 and £50,999, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £4,000
• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is greater than £51,000, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £6,000

If your business trades in the hospitality, entertainment, accommodation, leisure or personal care sectors, then the Restart Award your business is eligible to receive is based on the Rateable Value of your premise(s):

• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is less than £15,000, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £8,000
• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is between £15,001 and £50,999, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £12,000
• If the Rateable Value of your premise(s) is greater than £51,000, the Restart Grant you are eligible to receive is £18,000

When will this award be paid?

We're currently repaying the Restart Grant to eligible businesses.

If you have not applied to us previously for a Local Restrictions Support Grant covering the national lockdowns from November 2020 to 31 March 2021, then please apply below.

Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) - Tax Year 2021-22

All Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) - Tax year 2021 - 22 monies have been allocated to eligible businesses.

The closing date for applications was 17 May 2021. Unfortunately, we're unable to receive any more applications at this time. However, if we have previously sent you an invitation to apply, you may return this to us up to 31 July 2021.

Business Rates Relief – sectors other than retail, hospitality and leisure

The government has announced a £1.5billion Business Rates Relief scheme for business ratepayers affected by coronavirus, who have been unable to benefit from the existing £16billion business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

The government will provide a £1.5billion pot across the country that will be distributed according to which sectors have suffered most economically, rather than on the basis of falls in property values, ensuring the support is provided to businesses in England in the fastest and fairest way possible.

Once details as to how businesses may apply to us for this scheme, have been confirmed, this page will be updated.

Advice and support

Self-employed and recently started businesses

We aim to provide support to the self-employed sector and businesses who have recently commenced trading. If you fall into either of these categories, please email Warrington&Co where our dedicated Business Support team will provide advice and further guidance.

Advice for employers and business owners

We're working with our partners to ensure that local businesses are given the support and advice they need at this time. For all the latest employer and business information and guidance, please visit GOV.UK. 

Supporting your employees

People who follow advice to stay at home, and who cannot work as a result, are eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), even if they're not ill themselves. As an employer, you're expected to use your discretion and respect the medical need to self-isolate in making decisions about sick pay.

You can support staff who are not eligible to receive sick pay by letting them know that they can claim Universal Credit and or contributory Employment and Support Allowance.

For more information about coronavirus, sick pay and benefits, please visit the Universal Credit website. 

Statutory sick pay refunds

For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded in full by the government. In doing so, the government will provide two million businesses with up to £2billion to cover the costs of large-scale sick leave.

Businesses trading internationally

Advice and support is available for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad.

This includes:

• Department for International Trade (DIT) support for UK business trading internationally
• Financial support for business trading internationally

British businesses that may face disruption due to the spread of coronavirus can contact DIT's dedicated business support team.

Paying tax

A new HMRC helpline has been launched to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to COVID-19.

If you run a business or are self-employed and have tax concerns, you can call 0800 0159 559 for help and advice.

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub

As part of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the hub offers a range of information, advice and updates on its website for local and regional businesses.

Useful links