Grant McKnight Blog

Kickstart scheme a ‘saving grace’ for struggling businesses Businesses looking to boost youth employment via the Government’s Kickstart scheme are encouraged to continue registering their interest through Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce,  writes Claudia Congrave . The Kickstart scheme was announced in July 2020 by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in a bid to help unemployed young people between the ages of 16-24 source six-month work placements. The placements are fully funded by the Government, with employers receiving a grant of £1,500 to help set up and train the employee and a further £6,500 in instalments to cover the employment costs. Companies interested in having less than 30 placements can submit their expressions of interest to the Chamber. The placements need to meet the following criteria: Six months in length At least 25 hours per week (can offer additional hours at company expense) Paying at least the national minimum wage through PAYE Paying the statutory employer duti...

Birmingham businesses can now apply for the latest round of Covid grants. The grants, available from Birmingham City Council, are for those severely impacted or required to close due to Covid measures before and during lockdown in November, alongside sector specific support for nightclubs and adult entertainment venues. In order to apply, businesses will need to create a BRUM Account ( click here ), which helps Birmingham City Council to speed up processing of applications and payment of future grants under the new three-tier system. It will also give businesses access to services (such as their business rate account) online.   To access the grants businesses complete one short form, find out more and apply  here . The grants available for businesses based in the Birmingham City Council area include: Grants worth between £984 per 28 days to £2,100 per 28 days for businesses in the hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfast and leisure sectors affected by the Tier two local restrict...