News

In this update, we outline start up grants offered by Mid Ulster District Council and highlight the launch of the Farming Innovation Pathways Competition. The application deadline for the Limited Company Director’s Scheme closes this Thursday 4 March, see below for more information.

Budget 2021

On Wednesday 3 March 2021 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak will announce the UK Government’s tax and spending plans for the year. Following the announcement, on Thursday 4 March CavanaghKelly clients will receive a summary of the Chancellor’s announcement that will detail the less publicised changes that are most likely to have an impact on their business and personal finances.

 

Farming Innovation Pathways Competition

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have created a new funding opportunity aimed at boosting investment in the agricultural sector. The competition is open to ideas addressing challenges across the agri-food sector.

Applications for the competition opened on Monday 1 March.

For more information on the competition click here.

 

EU Exit – Get Proof of Origin for Goods

If your business is importing or exporting goods with a country that has a preferential arrangement, those goods are most likely to have a reduced/nil rate of duty based on their origin.

Unless the agreement states otherwise, you will need to provide proof of origin meaning:

• You must prove to HMRC that you can claim preference for goods you are importing or;
• Give the person receiving your goods evidence of the origin so that they can claim preference

For further information on Proof of Origin, click here.

 

Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme

The application deadline has been extended to Thursday 4 March 2021 at 6pm. If you have not already applied and think that you may be eligible, use the link above to confirm eligibility and make an application.

 

Companies House to Resume Voluntary and Compulsory Strike Off

In January 2021 Companies House temporarily paused their strike off process so that companies and creditors would not be affected by processing delays. This temporary measure has recently been reviewed and will be lifted on Monday 8 March 2021.

For further information click here.

Filing online is encouraged to ensure that docuemnts are processed quickly.

 

COVID-19 Micro-business E-Commerce Grant (MBEG)

Up to £5,000 to support 80% of eligible costs is available for micro retail businesses to grow their e-commerce sales. Businesses can access up to a maximum grant of £5,000 to support 80% of eligible costs (projects must have a minimum of £1,250 of eligible expenditure).

Applications close on Friday 12 March 2021. Find out if your business is eligible for the grant using the online eligibility checker. MBEG will be issued to eligible businesses on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Grant Aid Support

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are inviting applications from voluntary clubs, societies, community and sporting organisations.

Applications are invited from the following categories:

• Community Services – Revenue
• Good relations
• Irish in the Community
• RECOVER Fund Programme
• Remembering & Commemoration – Decade of centenaries
• Seeding Grants
• Ulster Scots in the Community

Groups must be based in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

Further information can be found on the Council website.

The funding call will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 March 2021.

 

Mid-Ulster Council Business Start Up Grant

The Mid-Ulster District Council is offering entrepreneurs a grant of £250 if they both live in and intend to start a business in Mid Ulster within 6 months. Anyone interested in applying for the grant should complete a business plan through the Go For It business start-up programme and submit their application by Wednesday 31 March 2021.

For further information click here.

 

Childcare Temporary Closure Support Fund

This COVID-19 Support Fund will provide support for childcare providers who have had to close temporarily due to a COVID related incident.

Those eligible to apply must have had to temporarily close childcare provision fully, or in the case of a childcare setting, had to close a pod or pods due to:

• A COVID-19 positive case of a child or staff in the setting; or
• Inability to comply with staff : child ratios due to staff self-isolating as directed by PHA

For further information click here.

Applications close on Friday 9 April 2021 at 4pm.

 

EEA Resident Director Requirement (Ireland)

Irish companies whose directors are resident in the UK must now take action to ensure they comply with Section 137 of the Companies Act 2014. Zoe McKelvey, Senior Associate at CavanaghKelly, looks at what options are available to directors to ensure these requirements are met.

Click here to read the article.

Get in touch with our advisory team to discuss what might be the best option for you.

 

A Review of Pre-Pack Sales Administration

Last week, in response to mounting criticism of pre-pack sales in administration, the UK Government released its draft legislation proposing significant changes to sales to connected parties in administration. It is proposed that draft changes will come into effect by 30th April 2021.

Michael Drumm and Shauna McStravick have published an article on our website exploring what a pre-pack sale is and how it is set to change.

 

Queen's University Belfast Launch Free Upskilling Courses

Queen's University Belfast has launched free upskilling courses in leadership and management for individuals whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19. The Department for the Economy will be funding 215 places for Northern Ireland residents who can demonstrate they, or their partner if relevant, have been impacted by COVID-19. 

For further details on eligibility criteria, click here.

Deadline for applications is 4pm Monday 15 March 2021

 

If you have any questions, contact us today.