With UK businesses facing huge uncertainty over the nationwide disruption that is likely be caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget outlined a number of measures to help support SMEs.

These include business rates relief for retail, leisure and hospitality firms, which are likely to be hit hard if customers stay away to slow the spread of the virus.  Those with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will benefit from a tax holiday. In addition, businesses with fewer than 250 employees will be provided with statutory sick pay for those off sick with the coronavirus. 

A temporary coronavirus business interruption loan scheme is also to be introduced, so that banks can offer loans of up to 1.2m to support SMEs.  And grants of £3,000 will be available to 700,000 of the smallest businesses, paid by local authorities.

More details on these and other measures are available here in an excellent summary provided by one of our business partners Lang Bennetts, one of Cornwall’s leading firms of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers: https://www.lang-bennetts.co.uk/news/budget

Callum Thompson has joined the Ignition team as an Apprentice Administrator as part of an advanced apprenticeship scheme with Truro College.  The 18 year old has completed a Level 3 Business Diploma with the College and is now working towards Level 3 in Customer Service through an apprenticeship with Ignition.  The training will take place on-the-job over 15 months, with regular assessments and support provided by the College.  Callum will be shadowing our excellent administration team and learning how to provide our customers with exceptional service!

Mawnan Association Football Club (AFC) are sporting brand new match day tops, thanks to sponsorship from Truro-based vehicle and asset finance provider, Ignition.

Ignition’s Managing Director, Paul Caunter, has been closely associated with the club for many years, from childhood through to playing into his early 40s, and now as a member of the committee and player for the vets team. His son Daniel, also a keen footballer, trains at the club and volunteers as a linesman.

Paul Caunter comments: “It’s a privilege to support Mawnan AFC and help the team look smart on match days.  The club is highly regarded within the leagues and provides a great service to the community here.  It has been fostering enthusiasm for the game for generations.”