Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and advice
Updates and information on the latest situation locally and in the UK.

From 5 January 2021 England is in national lockdown

Find out more about local restrictions below.

Coronavirus financial support for your business

The Gov.uk website has launched an online form to help you to identify your eligibility to COVID business cash grants, loans and tax relief.

Gov.uk - Coronavirus financial support for your business.

Government funding via local authorities

This section was last updated on 6 April 2021.

Additional Restrictions Grant

In some circumstances, businesses that are not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant may be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant.

For full information on eligibility and how to apply:

Visit our Additional Restrictions Grant page.

Subsidy Control (formerly referred to as State Aid)

When you apply for grant funding, your business is subject to Subsidy Control. It is your responsibility to ensure you stay within the defined limits.

Please visit our page on Subsidy Control to find out more.

Advice for businesses - #HereForBusiness

A video introducing the #HereForBusiness campaign, provided by Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth at the GC Business Growth Hub: YouTube: A video introducing the #HereForBusiness campaign.

The GC Business Growth Hub continues to offer business support and advice, alongside their useful resources, to help businesses combat the impact of COVID-19. This support package, branded #HereForBusiness, includes:

The publication of useful guides, like the Business Growth Hub - '10 steps to take now', helping businesses to prepare and act quickly as the situation unfolds.
Providing access to dedicated business advisors - call 0161 359 3050.
Access to a number of free seminars, helping businesses to prepare for the potential economic impact of COVID-19.

The workshops, which are accessible via the Business Growth Hub - Coronavirus business support webinars, include:

Duty of Care to employees
Cash flow and supply chain challenges
How to work and operate virtually
Legal and insurance implication
Tourism and hospitality sector

GM Business Community

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is offering all businesses, who aren't currently members, free access to the GM Business Community.

By joining, you will get:

An update, three times a week, with the most up to date information on support from the government and support from fellow members.
Access to the digital MyGMCR platform, a mobile app where you can connect with and direct message fellow business users.
Access any digital events hosted by the Chamber.
Access online training and free workforce development activities.
A complimentary token to access a local networking event, free of charge, when things are back to normal.

For more information and to join, complete this Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce - Free access to the GM Business Community.

Communicate key messages to staff and customers

Bury Council has designed a number of posters to help local businesses communicate key messages to staff and customers. These posters are free to download:

Business Growth Hub

#HereForBusiness - If you're concerned about the impact that COVID-19 might have on your business, we are here to help you navigate the latest government information and provide specialist advice. Business Growth Hub

Symptoms of the coronavirus

The symptoms are a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness as the symptoms are similar to the common cold and flu.

Check if you need medical help

For the latest information and advice about self-isolation, treatment and when to contact NHS 111, access the NHS - Coronavirus.

What you need to know

It is import to follow good hygiene practices, washing your hands with soap and water often and using hand sanitiser when soap and water is unavailable. Further simple steps, to minimise the risk and prevent the virus spreading, include:

Wash your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds.
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.