Coronavirus sector support information and advice is available here for a range of organisation types. If your area is not covered or you need additional support, just get in touch.
This page was last updated in May 2023. Please check the latest national guidance.
Sectors
Guidance about working safely was issued by the government. Further Coronavirus sector support can be found at the following places:
Make UK
MakeUK offer a range of resources, template letters and toolkits for manufacturing businesses, as well as set of Coronavirus-related FAQs.
Manufacturing Growth Programme
The Manufacturing Growth Fund developed a range of resources and guidance for SME manufacturers.
Apprentices
The Department for Education’s guidance for schools and educational settings offered helpful advice.
Digital & Creative
Guidance about working safely was issued by the government. Your business may operate more than one type of workplace, therefore it is important that you refer to all of the relevant publications.
Culture Recovery Fund: Emergency Resource Support
Arts Council England launched a new fund for organisations at imminent risk of failure, particular those who had not yet received grants from the Culture Recovery Fund, to provide Coronavirus sector support until the end of the 2020.
Guidance about working safely was issued by the government. Specific Coronavirus sector support for the retail and hospitality industry included:
VAT reduction for hospitality, accommodation and attractions
Some businesses were eligible for a 5% reduced rate of VAT until 30 September 2021 if their business is in the hospitality, hotel or holiday accommodation sector. From 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, the reduced rate of 12.5% will apply. Find out if your business was eligible for VAT reduction.
Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant grant was offered to business who were negatively affected by coronavirus. Examples of what made a business eligible were:
- you do not pay business rates and your business was closed by law;
- you supply an industry that had to close because of coronavirus, for example the retail, hospitality or leisure sector;
- your business is in the events sector.
The Additional Restrictions Grant ended on 31 March 2022.
Find out more about the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant.
Business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure
If you were eligible, you:
- may not have needed to pay any business rate for the 2020 to 2021 tax year (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021);
- may not have needed to pay any business rate for the first 3 months of the 2021 to 2022 tax year (1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021);
- may have received 66% off your business rates bills for the rest of the 2021 to 2022 tax year (1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022) – up to a total value of £2 million.
You would receive:
- up to £2m if your business was required to close on 5 January 2021;
- up to £105,000 if your business was permitted to open on 5 January 2021.
You were eligible if your property was a:
- shop;
- restaurant, café, bar or pub;
- cinema or live music venue;
- leisure or assembly property – for example, a sports club, a gym or a spa;
- hospitality property – for example, a hotel, a guest house or self-catering accommodation.
ADHB
The ADHB offered a dedicated Coronavirus hub that included FAQs, articles and sector specific advice.
Build UK
Build UK produced a directory containing sector-specific advice and information.
The government pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.
Articles
UK organisations stand to benefit from new data protection laws
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has now received Royal Assent. This new legislation updates key aspects of data protection law, making it easier for UK businesses to protect people’s personal information while growing and innovating their products and services.
Launch of week-long programme to help businesses to thrive
Businesses across North Yorkshire are being given key advice and the chance to develop their enterprises with the launch of the first event of its kind in the county that has been heralded as a “vital move” to supporting the economy.
Digital Adoption Grant - Apply Now
The Digital Inclusion Capital Grant aims to support businesses to adopt new technologies and resources, in order to increase innovation and productivity. The fund opened for applications on Monday 16 June 2025 and will close at 5pm on Monday 14 July 2025.
Events
20th June 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
North Yorkshire Business Week: Friday Drop-in Events
Wrap up North Yorkshire Business Week with our Business Support Drop-Ins, an opportunity for local businesses to connect directly with their dedicated Senior Business Advisor and a range of other support organisations in attendance.
24th June 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Workplace Trends: The Future of the Office & Generations at Work
An insight into the latest workplace trends, how different generations at work can affect the workspace and how you can help your office thrive in a post-covid world. This session is designed to offer an in-depth look at the latest workplace trends influencing the future of work environments.
25th June 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund Phase 2 Launch
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is launching the second phase of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. Join us for this webinar to find out more.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Wellbeing
Learn how to build resilience and communication, create a positive work environment, and support the mental health of both your team and yourself with our free wellbeing webinars playlist.
Webinar Recording: Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business?
This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to leverage IP for competitive advantage, investor attraction, and long-term business growth, ultimately showing you how a strategic approach to IP can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.