It is not something any business wants to do, and if you do unfortunately reach the point where you need to shut for a while, we really do hope that it isn’t for long. This situation is unprecedented and we hope we can all remain resilient through these testing times.

Before you close we advise you do the following:

• Provide an up-to-date meter reading – this ensures your bill is accurate, and that way you can avoid paying any overestimated bills. You can submit a meter read online here. 
• Get in touch with us on 01423 502554 or info@cngltd.co.uk to provide an alternative postal address for any future correspondence
• Turn your thermostat down

If you are a CNG customer that is currently set up to pay via Direct Debit and you’re worried about paying your bills during these uncertain times, please do not cancel your Direct Debit. Email ddpp@cngltd.co.uk with your account details and we will contact you to discuss your options.

If you don’t currently pay via Direct Debit and you’re concerned about paying your bills, please get in touch with us at info@cngltd.co.uk or on 01423 502554 and we can discuss your options. There is also information below on various funding announced by the Government which may be able to help you. 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

The Coronavirus job retention scheme which enables all UK employers to access support to continue paying up to 80% of employees’ salaries up to a cap of £2,500, has been extended until the end of October, with measures to be put in place to ensure the cost is shared more with employers. From August – October the scheme will continue for all sectors and UK regions but employers will be able to bring employees back on a part time basis while sharing the cost. All UK business are eligible, and you can apply via the HMRC website.  

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme 

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will support SMEs with access to loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5million and for up to 6 years. The government will also make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied fees, so smaller businesses will benefit from no upfront costs and lower initial repayments.

Deferring of VAT and Tax payments 

A VAT deferral will apply from 20 March 2020 to 30 June 2020. Businesses will not need to make a VAT payment during this period. Taxpayers will be given until the end of the 2020 to 2021 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period.

Sick Pay 

In response to those having to self-isolate, the Government has announced that it will refund the cost of up to 14 days statutory sick pay for businesses with less than 250 employees.

Business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses 

A business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Your Local Authority will be responsible for applying this.

For more information on funding to support your business visit the GOV.UK page here.

Coronavirus Future Fund

Coronavirus Future Fund will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies facing financing difficulties due to Coronavirus.

Small Business Micro Loans

The chancellor has announced a micro loan scheme for smaller businesses. Businesses can apply for new Bounce Back loans up to a maximum of £50,000 or 25% of turnover, with the government paying the interest for the first 12 months.

Companies House

Companies House will temporarily pause the strike off process to prevent companies being dissolved. This will give businesses affected the time they need to update their records. In addition, companies issued with a late filing penalty due to the outbreak will have appeals treated sympathetically.

The Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses offer members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, they have a free dedicated area offering advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed. With regular news updates, webinars and recommendations on how to manage during these difficult times. 

https://www.fsb.org.uk/

British Chamber of Commerce

Joining your local Chamber gives you access to a range of business services including cost savings and business advice.

There is a free hub on their website with advice on dealing with the effects that the Coronavirus may have on your business, funding support available to you and crisis management plans.

There is also a team on hand to answer any questions and queries you may have.

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/

Business Support Helpline

You can contact the government’s business support line for free advice on 0300 456 3565, Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm

HMRC helpline

If you are concerned about paying your tax due to coronavirus, please call HMRC 's helpline for advice on

Tel: 0800 0159 559.

Any customers with planned siteworks are advised that these will be deferred until it is safe to continue. All onsite installations, removals and metering work is being postponed unless it is an emergency.

Whilst we can’t currently carry out any non-emergency siteworks, our team is still working and happy to speak with you to help with planning any future connections once business can operate as usual.

For any queries about connections and metering, planned or future, please contact energyconnections@cngltd.co.uk  

We want to reassure all CNG customers that whilst we are operating a remote workforce, we are doing all we can to ensure business as usual. Our team are on hand to answer your queries, or you can email info@cngltd.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

We are in this together and will be keeping abreast of any latest developments and posting updates on this page, our blog section, and via our LinkedIn and Twitter pages.