BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME Guidance Notes for Project Applicants

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1 BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME Guidance Notes for Project Applicants PLEASE READ THESE NOTES PRIOR TO COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM The Business Support Scheme is open to small and medium sized enterprises only Definition: A business that has less than 250 employees, a turnover equivalent to less than 41.4m, a balance sheet value of less than 35.6m and located within the Herefordshire Council administration area. Who can apply? Businesses that have been significantly affected by the December 2015 floods been flooded and not, for instance, from the failure of a water main, internal water systems or the failure of a sewerage system (unless the failure was itself caused by adverse weather conditions). The scheme applies to all types and uses of non-domestic properties. For the purposes of this scheme, affected businesses have been prioritised as follows: Priority 1: Businesses that have suffered direct damage and loss to premises, equipment and/or stock and have been unable to trade normally as a result of flooding in the premises. It is unlikely that awards will exceed 2,500. Priority 2: Businesses that have had limited or no access to premises, equipment and or stock as a result of flooding, restricted access to customers, and suppliers and suffered significant loss of trade which has resulted from closure of the road on which the business is located and/or flooding up to premises. It is unlikely that awards will exceed 1,000. What can you apply for? This business support scheme covers directly and indirectly impacted businesses within flood affected areas. It does not cover loss of trade suffered by businesses outside of directly affected areas. By direct impacts we mean that the business has suffered direct damage and loss to its premises, equipment and/or stock and has been unable to trade normally as a result of flooding. By indirect impacts we mean that the business has had no or highly limited access to its premises, equipment and/or stock as a result of flooding, restricted access for customers and suppliers and has suffered significant loss of trade. In considering whether the business activity has been adversely affected, we will consider the impact of the flooding in the full context of all business activities undertaken at the location. Very small or insignificant impacts may not be included. Eligible businesses will be able to claim for costs which could include immediate clean-up costs, materials, exceptional business costs (such as hire of drying equipment) and temporary accommodation to enable these businesses to continue trading. Business continuity planning and marketing costs may also be covered. What can you not apply for? Repaying existing loans or debt incurred prior to the flooding Any costs which are recoverable under its business insurance cover Recoverable VAT Standard staff costs Farming/land based businesses Costs incurred prior to flooding Poor business practice (e.g. if a business has not put any insurance arrangements in place) or for routine business expenses or costs that are recoverable elsewhere. Other considerations This scheme is of a discretionary nature and is subject to the availability of funding.

2 The decision of the grant panel is final and it reserves the right to vary the level of grant or reject an application. Grants will be limited to one per business and will be considered on merit with directly flooded businesses having priority. Please be aware that this is public money and any fraudulent activity will be quickly identified and reported to the police. We will seek to recover funds and our associated costs. How to apply and supporting documentation The application form should be completed and submitted, along with any supporting documentation, to Herefordshire Council by to or posted to Directorate Services team, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE. All applications must be submitted on or before 5pm on Friday 15 January Applications received after this time and date will not be considered. Should you need any guidance or assistance in completing the form please Grant Payments Successful applicants will be notified within 3 weeks after the deadline date. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified. 2

3 APPLICATION FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME Section 1: Contact Details Guidance Notes: 1. Business Name 2. Business Trading Address 3. Contact for this Application: This will be used in all future correspondence. 4. Position in Business: 5. Telephone Number: 6. Mobile Number: 7. Address: 8. Website Address: Section 2: Business Details 1. Legal Structure Limited Company Sole Trader Social Enterprise PLC Other (please detail) Please tick as appropriate

4 If Ltd Company or Limited Liability Partnership please give registered office address: 2. Company Registration Number If registered 3. If your business is a branch or affiliated to any other parent company, please provide details: Including business name and HQ address 4. Names of beneficial Owners and Directors Business Owner or the Partners of a Partnership, and shareholders of a Ltd Company 5. VAT Registration Number If registered 6. Are you landlord, owneroccupier or tenant? Landlord Owner-Occupier Tenant Please tick as appropriate 7. Please describe what the business does: 8. When did you start trading? 9. Current Number of Employees: Full Time: Part Time: Casual: 10. What are your trading hours/days? 4

5 Section 3: Application Details As per the guidance notes above, the funds have been split into two priority areas, please tick which priority your claim falls in to: Priority 1 Your business has suffered direct damage and loss to premises, equipment and/or stock and has been unable to trade normally as a result of flooding in the premises. Priority 2 Your businesses has had limited or no access to premises, equipment and or stock as a result of flooding, restricted access to customers, and suppliers and suffered significant loss of trade which has resulted from closure of the road on which the business is located and/or flooding up to premises 1. Please give a brief description of the extent of the damage or the associated impact on your business: If you have any proof of damage to the property please include with this application e.g. Photographic evidence, receipts for immediate and urgent work, etc. 5

6 2. What items/activities are you applying for and the costs associated? Please supply copies of quotes where applicable Item(s) Cost Total Applied for: 3. Do you have insurance for flood damage? Yes No Please tick or delete as appropriate Building Yes/ No Contents Yes/ No Both Yes/ No 4. If YES, please give details of the extent of the cover and the policy excess applicable: 5. If NO, please give reasons why you did not have insurance for flood damage. 6. Do you intend to make an insurance claim? Yes No 6

7 7. If Yes, please provide details of any settlements made or claims in progress at the current time: Section 4: Declaration 1. I/we certify that all the information contained in this application is complete and correct and that I/we have been flooded in the business areas within our premises or have suffered as a result of the flooding. 2. If the information in the application changes in any way I/we will inform the Herefordshire Council. 3. The Council reserves the right to reclaim any money, which has been paid as a result of fraudulent or misleading claims. 4. I/we agree to my data being kept by Herefordshire Council. Name: Signature: Date: Your application will be assessed on the information provided. Once completed, please return this form on or before: 5pm on Friday 15 January 2016 Please return the form to: Directorate Services team, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE dst@herefordshire.gov.uk. Should you need any guidance or assistance in completing the form please dst@herefordshire.gov.uk. This information can be made available in Braille, large print, on tape and in other languages. To request a copy, please contact the Directorate Services team. 7