We are
seeing a lot of restrictions being eased and it is the closest to normality for
a very long time. The bonus of the sunshine is something to make the most out
of. While we enjoy ourselves and plan for an entertaining summer, we should not
forget about business. We should take steps in to planning on how to bounce
back stronger.
As the
country opens slowly and the opportunity arises to mingle with other business
owners, you should make time to try and attend where businesses are likely to
be. Nearer the end of 2021, we are likely to see trade fairs taking place, with
all businesses on the same boat, getting the business name out there.
If you do
not have the budget or time to be a part of the trade show, then you should try
and attend as a visitor. It will be a great way to connect and being a visitor
will give you the freedom on your timing as you can leave when you feel like
you have made the most out of the day. Who knows, you may even bump into some
familiar faces, for a long-awaited catchup.
Our usual go
to for these types of events are The Welsh Business Show, Zokit and Introbiz.
Some may have updated dates for the events, some may be posting later. Keep an
eye out on social media as we are sure there will be a buzz. Click here to look
at what is out there with trade fairs https://10times.com/cardiff-uk/business-consultancy/tradeshows
To get your
company to achieve the highest levels, you may need a hand by employing staff. This
may seem a scary step to take, especially if this will be your first time
employing someone. There are many things to consider. Due to the disruption of
jobs during the pandemic, the government have introduced a Kickstart scheme.
This scheme is to provide funding to create new jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds on
Universal Credit.
It does not
matter on the size of your business, everyone can apply. The funding will cover:
·
100%
of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for
a total of 6 months
·
Associated employer National Insurance contributions
·
Minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions
Further
funding is available for training and support so that young people on the
scheme can get a job in the future.
More info on
how to apply, please click here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant
If you
already have staff, and are bringing them back in to work, remember the
furlough scheme is flexible and available until 30 September 2021. You will
have to contribute for any hours worked by your employees. From 1 July 2021,
the level of grant will be reduced, and you will be asked to contribute towards
the cost of your furloughed employees’ wages. To be eligible for the grant you
must continue to pay your furloughed employees 80% of their wages.
|
|
June 2021
|
July 2021
|
August 2021
|
September 2021
|
|
Government contribution
|
80%
|
70%
|
60%
|
60%
|
|
Employer contribution for hours not worked
|
No
|
10%
|
20%
|
20%
|
|
Employee receives for hours not worked
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
You can
continue to choose to top up your employees’ wages above the 80% for the hours
not worked at your own expense. This is completely up to you and not a
requirement.
Let us try
and finish 2021 strong and push past this pandemic. It has been tough for
everyone, but with planning and preparing, we can start looking ahead.
