News

NI starts rapid workplace testing

Rapid coronavirus testing kits are being rolled out to employers in four key sectors in Northern Ireland (NI).

They will be made available to those working in agri-food, manufacturing, essential…


Scotland and reopening of tourism – hint that caravan parks may lead the way

“Last year we started by reopening caravan sites … such an approach might comment itself again this year.”

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, recently responded to questions in…


Government funding for electric vehicle technology

  • £20m fund
  • Ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars

Secretary of State Grant Shapps has announced a fund to help make innovation ideas towards zero-emission vehicles a reality.


Questions in the House regarding extending the reduced VAT rate and accessing caravans

The following question was answered on Tuesday 9 March 2021

Q: Mr Alistair Carmichael (MP for Orkney and Shetland): If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits…


Grants for tourism and leisure businesses in Wales

The ERF Sector Specific Grant application window for Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism phase 2 is now open and will close at 8pm on Friday 12 March 2021, or until funds…


Minister writes to Local Authorities about assisting hospitality businesses

The Secretary of State for House and Local Communities, Robert Jenrick, has written to local authorities reminding them of the relaxation of planning rules that have been made to assist…


Government makes workplace testing available to all businesses

Workplace testing is now available to all businesses, including those with fewer than 50 employees.

  • Business encouraged to register interest by 31 March to access free workplace testing
  • Regular testing…


Corporation tax to increase – but not until 2023

HMRC

 

The Budget on 3 March contained an announcement regarding an increase in corporation tax on company profits to 25% from April 2023.  The small profits rate is maintained at…


Fund to support campervan and motorhome operators in Scotland

A fund worth £1 million was launched on 4 March to provide support to campervan and motorhome operators in Scotland who are facing financial hardship due to the impact of…


Northern Ireland Executive outlines pathway to ease restrictions

The Northern Ireland Executive has outlined its pathway to ease restrictions. 

The plan consists of 9 pathways, each of which has five phases.  By the end of Phase 3, it…