During these unprecedented times, it’s important that we come together as an industry to support one another. It’s often difficult to know where to turn, though, and what help is even on offer. Together with industry associations and charities, we have put together a list of useful resources to help get you through the coronavirus crisis.
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)
Through the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the APL is offering help in a number of ways. Members have access to financial support information, HR support for businesses, information on business grants available, member to member advice, and so much more.
The HTA also has a coronavirus e-learning course where you will be able to:
- Identify the signs and symptoms of COVID-19
- Understand how the infection spreads
- Consider the potential impact on your businesses
- Identify the main areas to consider and plan for contingency
- Implement the most up-to-date hygiene advice for your business
British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
BALI members can access a host of useful resources and information here. This includes an FAQ, furlough templates, updated government guidance and helpful links.
Alongside this, BALI has hosted online clinics and throughout April, May and June will be hosting a series of webinars for members on digital marketing and the psychology of the customer for those struggling to maintain sales during the COVID-19 crisis.
BALI has also issued a number of statements and is lobbying government to provide further clarity on several questions it has posed to them following a recent member survey.
UK Government coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance
Claim back wages with Government Job Retention Scheme
Scottish Government – Business and social distancing guidance
Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP)
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service webinars
Federation of Small Businesses
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The Landscape Institute has pulled together useful resources as well as some advice for its members and is constantly updating this as and when things change. You can read its advice here.
Architects Benevolent Society (available for architects, assistants, technologists, technicians, landscape architects – and their families)
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Three-month capital loan repayment holiday for Businesses in Wales
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Relief Scheme
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed
In Scotland, the government has launched a small business coronavirus helpline (0300 303 0660)
Support and advice for small businesses in Northern Ireland
IPSE’s COVID-19 Hub for self-employed people
Mortgage ‘payment holidays’ are available for mortgage customers affected by COVID-19
The next self-assessment income tax payment for self-employed workers, due on 31 July 2020, has been deferred to January 2021 with no penalties or interest payable
It will continue to update this list as and when more resources become available.
Society of Garden Designers (SGD)
For its members, the SGD will be making talks from the Spring 2019 Conference available for free, to offer inspiration and keep spirits high. They will be released one by one every Friday and will be available to view until the following Sunday at midnight.
The first kicked off with Noel Kingsbury’s talk, ‘The Whole Plant – beyond the blob on the planting plan’. Other speakers include Henrik Sjoman, Michael Marriott, Emma Desmier, Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain and Olivier Filippi.
Members should keep an eye on their inboxes to access the link to the talks.
A safety net for people in the horticulture industry – whether you’re working in it, or are retired from it.
Perennial’s team of professional, highly trained caseworkers and debt advisers can:
- Help people understand and get access to government arrangements for financial support
- Help people make arrangements to reduce or delay bill payments, including credit debts where necessary
- Provide financial assistance to cover essential items, particularly food and heating
- Perennial’s team of advisers all work from home and are available for phone calls, emails and video calls.
Perennial’s helpline is operating as usual on 0800 093 8543 or visit www.perennial.org.uk for the latest updates.
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