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A strengthened three-tier system aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus comes into force on December 2 2020, and Kent has been moved into the highest level – Tier 3.

Being placed in Tier 3 means that Kent businesses, many of which are already struggling, face the most stringent restrictions. So what support might be available to help businesses through this crisis?

An extension to the Job Retention Scheme until the end of March 2021 will provide some much-needed reassurance for employers in the region affected by coronavirus.

The government-backed loan schemes, CBILS and BBLS, have also been extended until January 31, and eligible self-employed individuals can continue to access the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) until it ends on April 30, 2021.

RULES FOR TIER 3 BUSINESSES

Which businesses can reopen?

• Non-essential shops
• Gyms, plus leisure and sports facilities, apart from indoor fitness and dance classes
• Hair, beauty, and nail salons
• Wedding ceremonies can take place with a limit of 15 people, although wedding receptions are not allowed

Which businesses must close?

• Hospitality venues, apart from delivery, takeaway, drive-through, or click-and-collect services
• All indoor entertainment and tourist venues
• Indoor attractions located within an outdoor entertainment venue
• All hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, and campsites, with some exemptions

The rules for individual tiers will remain in place over the Christmas period. Assuming that Kent stays in Tier 3, this could mean further decline for the businesses that have to close from December 3.

UK Liquidators is committed to helping businesses across the Kent region, and can provide the reliable professional support that is crucial in these uncertain times.

From our office in Maidstone our expert team will advise on the best way to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 restrictions, and offer the most appropriate rescue and recovery options for your business.

HOW CAN YOU DEAL WITH TIER 3 RESTRICTIONS?

Steering a business through such a difficult trading and financial crisis is challenging in the extreme, so here are a few ways UK Liquidators can support you and your business at this time...

* Emergency finance: We can help you source appropriate forms of emergency finance to pay the bills and keep your business afloat. Whether it is a coronavirus loan or another type of emergency funding, we will advise and guide you towards your best options.

* Insolvency support: There may be a number of rescue and recovery measures that can help you through these tough times. We will identify the most appropriate for your business.

* Specialist liquidation assistance: Our licensed insolvency practitioners can offer valuable support if the business needs to be liquidated, carefully explaining the process, including the possibility of being able to claim director redundancy.

For more help and tailored advice on dealing with the Covid-19 tier restrictions in Kent, please contact your local UK Liquidators office in Maidstone to arrange a free, confidential consultation.

For more information go to gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers