Lewes District Council

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Tourism & Economic Development
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB


Tel: 01273 484401
business@lewes.gov.uk
Fax: 01273 484373
Minicom 01273 484488

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Recession Relief

We are committed to supporting business through an economic downturn and offer help wherever we can.

All businesses face difficult trading conditions during an economic downturn. We work with other organisations to provide support initiatives to help local businesses survive and grow. Sussex Enterprise remains our primary business support partner.

We have a number of initiatives in place to support businesses district wide. 

Cash flow

The Government provide help to businesses with temporary cash flow difficulties. These measures include -

• The Working Capital Scheme secures up to £20bn of short-term bank lending to companies with a turnover of up to £500m.

• Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme secures up to £1.3bn of additional bank loans to small firms with a turnover of up to £25m. Loans are available for between £1000 - £1million.

• Capital for Enterprise Fund invests in small businesses that need equity.

Business Link has further information.

South East Transition Fund

South East England Development Agency, working with Finance South East, has established a Transition Fund to assist small and medium enterprises that are facing liquidity issues.

The bridging loan is available to businesses with a minimum turnover of £1million. Key elements of the Transition Fund are:

• unsecured loan up to £150,000
• up to one year term, which can be extended on request
• no capital repayments or interest payments until maturity
• 1% interest per month, payable at maturity
• no arrangement fees

Business health check

Business Link offer free health checks including an online tool for self assessment. Carrying out a health check will help you to ensure your business is maximising cash flow, optimising marketing activity and developing realistic business plans for its future during the current economic climate.