Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) FAQs for SMEs

What is the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)?
CBILS is a new scheme that can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow. CBILS supports a wide range of business finance products, including term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance facilities.

The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed guarantee potentially enabling a ‘no’ credit decision from a lender to become a ‘yes’.

Please note: This scheme is just one of a number of measures announced by Government and you can find full details of the temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19 here.

When can I access the scheme?
The scheme went live on Monday 23 March and will initially run for six months.

What are the key features of CBILS?
CBILS guarantees facilities up to a maximum of £5m available on repayment terms up to six years for term loans and asset finance. For overdrafts and invoice finance facilities, terms will be up to three years. The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed partial (80%) guarantee against the outstanding facility balance.

There is no guarantee fee for SMEs to access the scheme. Lenders will pay a fee to access the scheme. The Government will make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied fees.1 You (the SME) will therefore benefit from no upfront costs and lower initial repayments.2

At the discretion of the lender, the scheme may be used for unsecured lending for facilities of £250,000 and under. For facilities above £250,000, the scheme requires the lender to establish a lack or absence of security prior to businesses using CBILS. Primary Residential Property (PPR) cannot be taken as security under the scheme. If the lender can offer finance on normal commercial terms without the need to make use of the scheme, they will do so.

Please note: It’s important that you are aware that you, the borrower will always remain 100% liable for the debt. The CIBLS guarantee is to the lender, not you, the SME.

1 Following earlier discussions with the banking industry, some lenders indicated that they would not charge arrangement fees or early repayment charges to SMEs borrowing under the scheme. HM Government greatly appreciates this approach by lenders.

2 Fishery, aquaculture and agriculture businesses may not qualify for the full interest and fee payment.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply?
Smaller businesses (SMEs) from all sectors3 can apply for the full amount of the facility, up to a maximum of £5m.

To be eligible for a facility under CBILS, your business must:

• Be UK based in its business activity with annual turnover of no more than £45m
• Have a borrowing proposal which, were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic, would be considered viable by the lender, and for which the lender believes the provision of finance will enable your business to trade out of any short-to-medium term difficulty
• If the lender can offer finance on normal commercial terms without the need to make use of the scheme, they will do so.

How can I access the scheme?
CBILS is available through the British Business Bank’s 40+ accredited lenders, which are listed on the British Business Bank website here.

In the first instance, businesses should approach their own provider – ideally via the lender’s website. They may also consider approaching other lenders if they are unable to access the finance they need.

Decision-making on whether you are eligible for CBILS is fully delegated to the 40+ accredited CBILS lenders. These lenders range from high-street banks, to challenger banks, asset-based lenders and smaller specialist local lenders.

Note: if the accredited lender can offer finance on normal commercial terms without the need to make use of the scheme, they will do so.

Additional application notes:
Given there is likely to be a big demand for facilities once the scheme goes live, we ask you to please:

• Consider applying via the lender’s website in the first instance. Telephone lines are likely to be busy and branches may have limited capacity to handle enquiries due to social distancing
• Consider the urgency of your need – it is possible that some businesses may be looking for regular longer-term finance rather than ‘emergency’ finance, and there may other businesses with a more urgent need to speak with a lender

What are the fees to borrow under CBILS?
There is no guarantee fee for SMEs to use the CBILS scheme. Lenders will pay a fee to access the scheme.

3 The following trades and organisations are not eligible to apply: Banks, Building Societies, Insurers and Reinsurers (but not insurance brokers); The public sector including state funded primary and secondary schools; Employer, professional, religious or political membership organisation or trade unions.

What types of finance are available and who offers which type?
CBILS supports a wide range of business finance facilities, including:

• Term loans
• Overdrafts
• Asset finance
• Invoice finance

Note: Not every lender can provide every type of finance listed.

CBILS is available through the British Business Bank’s 40+ accredited lenders, which are listed on the British Business Bank website here.

What types of businesses is CBILS for?
The scheme is designed to support smaller businesses (SMEs) who don’t meet a lender’s normal lending requirements for a fully commercial loan or other facility, but who are considered viable in the longer-term.

Is the scheme appropriate for Start-ups?
Potentially, if your business activity is primarily UK-based. For early stage businesses in their first two years of trading, the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme (loans £500 to £25,000 at 6% p.a. interest) may be more suitable. Visit www.startuploans.co.uk for more information.

Will I need security to get a CBILS-backed loan?
At the discretion of the lender, the scheme may be used for unsecured lending for facilities of £250,000 and under. For facilities above £250,000, it requires the lender to establish a lack or absence of security prior to businesses using CBILS. Primary Residential Property (PPR) cannot be taken as security under the scheme.

Note: If the lender can offer finance on normal commercial terms without the need to make use of the scheme, they will do so.

Do I need to evidence that I have a viable business?
Yes. You must show in your borrowing proposal that were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic, your business would be considered viable by the lender, and for which the lender believes the provision of finance will enable your business to trade out of any short-to-medium term difficulty.

I have an existing EFG Facility with my lender that I need to discuss. What do I do?
If you have a query about an active EFG facility, you should approach your current provider – ideally via their website, and not the British Business Bank.

Are there any restrictions on a Borrower refinancing their EFG Facility to a CBILS Facility?
If you have a query about an active EFG facility, you should approach your own provider – ideally via their website – and not the British Business Bank. Any request for re-financing an existing EFG facility will be at each individual Lender’s discretion, be subject to certain limits, and you meeting the CBILS eligibility criteria.

What’s happening to the old Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG)?
The EFG scheme is temporarily suspended at this point in time. If you wish to apply for a financing facility, your lender will be able to assess if you are eligible under CBILS.

How long will CBILS run for?
CBILS will initially run for six months.

Will the CBILS funds run out so I can’t access the scheme?
No. Government has confirmed that the amount of funding available under the scheme will be demand-led. Therefore there is no immediate need to approach a lender if you do not need finance in the short-term. The scheme will initially run for six months.

Are sole traders / freelancers eligible?
Yes, as long as the business activity is operated through a business account. The scheme is open to sole traders, freelancers, body corporates, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or other legal entity carry out a business activity in the United Kingdom, with annual turnover of up to £45m, operating in all sectors4.

The business must generate more than 50% of its turnover from trading activity.

Can Lenders take a Personal Guarantee to cover the 20% loss that the Bank will make?
No, if a lender makes a claim on the CBILS guarantee it will be after the lender has completed its normal recovery procedures (including realisation of any Personal Guarantees). The CBILS guarantee covers 80% of the lenders post recoveries claim. The lender will always suffer a 20% loss when claiming on the CBILS guarantee.

I have had de minimis aid in the past, can I still get a loan?
Yes, as long as you meet the scheme's eligibility criteria. Any previous de minimis state aid does not impact your eligibility for CBILS and does not need to be taken into account by the Lender. CBILS operates as a notified scheme rather than under de minimis as EFG did. There is no interaction between any de minimis state aid previously received by a business and the size of the CBILS facility they can access, should they be eligible.

I am getting other kinds of aid to help respond to COVID-19 - can I still get a loan?
Yes. The eligibility criteria for CBILS does not require Lenders to take into account the other forms of government support that SMEs may be benefiting from e.g. business rate reliefs or grants unrelated to the CBIL scheme.

How is CBILS different from the EFG scheme?
CBILS is a new scheme. It is different from EFG in a number of ways.

1. CBILS provides the lender with an 80% government backed partial guarantee against the outstanding facility balance, subject to an overall portfolio cap. Under EFG this was 75%.

2. There is no guarantee fee for SMEs to use CBILS.

3. The Government will make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the interest and any lender-levied fees in the first 12 months of any CBILS facility, so smaller businesses will benefit from no upfront costs and lower initial repayments (originally announced as 6 months). Following earlier discussions with the banking industry, some lenders indicated that they would not charge arrangement fees or early repayment charges to SMEs borrowing under the scheme. HM Government greatly appreciates this approach by lenders.

4. The maximum facility provided under CBILS will be up to £5m. Under EFG, this was £1.2m

5. At the discretion of the lender the need for security may be waived for facilities below £250,000. For facilities above £250,000, requires the lender to establish a lack or absence of collateral prior to businesses using the CBIL Scheme. Primary Residential Property (PPR) cannot be taken as security under the scheme.

6. CBILS is for borrowing proposals which, were it not for the current COVID-19 pandemic, would be considered viable by the lender, and for which the lender believes the provision of finance will enable the business to trade out of any short-to-medium term difficulty. The EFG scheme was only for facilities considered viable under the lender’s commercial terms.

7. CBILS is available to businesses with annual turnover of no more than £45m. EFG was available to businesses with annual turnover of no more than £41m.

If you have any further questions please contact your current provider, not the British Business Bank.

Legal Notices

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy (BEIS).

British Business Bank plc is the holding company of the group operating under the trading name of British Business Bank. It is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government which is not authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The British Business Bank operates under its own trading name through a number of subsidiaries, one of which is authorised and regulated by the FCA. British Business Bank plc and its subsidiary entities are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. Accordingly, none of the British Business Bank group of companies takes deposits or offers banking services. A complete legal structure chart for British Business Bank plc can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk

What is the Chamber doing in the next few months?

Updated 23^rd March 2020

The Chamber will be keeping in touch with its members to offer support where we can during these unprecedented times. Staff will be working remotely and can be contacted via email info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk or by phone 01903 203484.

The members of Worthing and Adur Chamber have always been great supporting each other and we will continue to facilitate that support as best we can.

Let’s work together! 
We encourage all members to submit any news items or tips that will be shared on the website and with members via business e-news. If you have any requests for help please email this to tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk and this will be shared on the website and with members in the e-news.

Continue to make the most of your membership, make sure your profile is up to date, there will be many businesses out there needing help and support. Remember to use members where possible and support each other. A list of members can be found here https://worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/Members-Directory2

Chamber events: 
We have had to take the decision to postpone the upcoming networking events throughout March and April and will review this when appropriate. We will be launching virtual events, more information will be posted here https://worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/Chamber-Events

Chamber Academy:
We are looking to make all of our upcoming training courses virtual along with adding some short top tips sessions from members which is an exciting opportunity for us all! We will have further information to follow about these training courses shortly. Use this time to upskill yourself or your staff! If you would like to deliver a top tips session please email info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

It is important to keep positive and keep in touch with the business community, the Chamber is here to support you!

Worthing.Community is a new community site focussing on providing local Coronavirus news and support. 

If your business delivers food or other services to the public during this period of social distancing then list your business on Worthing.Community site now! 

Click here to list your business

Worthing Community Chest is offering grants of up to £250 that are designed to be as flexible, quick and easy as possible. 

No application form, just an email to grants@worthincommunitychest.org and a follow-up telephone conversation.

No monitoring forms, just the receipts and some photos or videos to show the project in action. 

We are loosening our usual criteria on types of bank account and written constitution.

Groups may even reapply for additional funding if need is proven to be ongoing.

Coronavirus: Key workers revealed ahead of school shutdown

Friday is the last day at school for most children in England, Scotland and Wales until further notice, in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic.

Schools will close to everyone except vulnerable children, and those with a parent identified as a key worker.

A-level and GCSE exams are being cancelled, as well as Scottish highers.

More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses in England and Wales have been asked to return to work in the NHS to help tackle the outbreak.

• How long could schools be closed?

And the chancellor is set to announce a wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.

It has been confirmed that a third patient in Wales with coronavirus has died, taking the total number of deaths in the UK to 145 - with 3,269 confirmed cases.

The government has published a list of key workers whose children can still go to school if they cannot be looked after at home. These workers' jobs are considered "critical" for the response to the pandemic.

The list has been separated into eight categories, including frontline health workers and social care staff, nursery and teaching staff and those involved in food production and delivery.

It also includes the police, those in key public services, transport workers and critical staff in financial services and utilities.

Northern Ireland Education Minister Peter Weir has said all schools should be prepared to cater for key workers' children when schools shut across the region on Monday.

Nurseries, colleges and childminders will also close from Friday.

Most local governments have indicated schools may not reopen properly until the end of the summer.

Who are "key workers"?

The full list includes:

• Frontline health workers such as doctors and nurses
• Some teachers and social workers
• Workers in key public services including those essential to the justice system, religious staff and public service journalists
• Local and national government workers deemed crucial to delivering essential public services
• Workers involved in food production processing, distribution, sale and delivery
• Public safety workers including police, armed forces personnel, firefighters and prison staff
• Essential air, water, road and rail transport workers
• Utilities, communication and financial services staff, including postal workers and waste disposal workers

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: "This is a very long list and could result in some schools having the majority of pupils attending.

"Schools can only accommodate a limited number of children and the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread."

The government stressed that "every child who can be safely cared for at home should be" and asked workers to consult their employers to confirm whether "their specific role is necessary".

Vulnerable children, who will also be exempt, include those who have a social worker and those with special educational needs. The Department for Education said it would help local authorities identify those "who most need support at this time".

The government has encouraged local authorities to keep residential special schools and specialist colleges open wherever possible.

• When will the outbreak end?
• Pupils 'scared and anxious'

School leaders said the list of key workers was "perhaps more extensive than we might have expected".

"We are going to have a real challenge matching resource with demand," said Andy Dickenson, headteacher at The Chantry School in Worcestershire.

"What we are going to be doing is providing childcare, not school," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Confusion continues over how grades will be awarded in the light of the decision to cancel this summer's exam season.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has indicated guidance will be issued on Friday, adding the government would work with schools, colleges and England's exams regulator, Ofqual, "to ensure children get the qualifications they need".

"We're all just wondering at the moment if it's worth revising for anything," Aurelia, a 17-year-old A level student told the BBC.

"Are we going to be sitting anything later in the year? Will we be given our predicted grades? Or will they be affected by our mock exams.

"I do have a lot of anxiety about it.

"I would feel a lot better about everything if we had some clarity as to how we will be graded, so I can start planning better for my future."

Retired medics appeal

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he hoped "many, many thousands will respond" to letters being sent to former doctors and nurses in England and Wales asking them to rejoin the NHS.

In Scotland, anyone who left the medical profession during the past three years has also been asked to consider returning.

Senior officials have said the ex-employees are needed to boost frontline services.

Asked when the former medics would be able to start, Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast those who left most recently could return "straight away", while others will be given refresher training "over the next couple of weeks".

Conservative MP Maria Caulfield, a former nurse, has said she will swap Westminster for the hospital ward - tweeting that it is "important we all help where we can".

Article from BBC News

Coronavirus update - how can we work together?

Worthing and Adur Chamber will be following government guidelines for the Coronavirus. We have a dedicated page on our website with all the important links that you should need. If you have any links, you feel would be useful for us to add please feel free to send them over to me lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Chamber events: 
Following concerns about the Coronavirus, we have had to take the decision to postpone the upcoming networking events throughout March  April and May when we will review the situation. We hope you understand why we felt it was necessary to make this decision. The safety of our team and guests is the number one priority for us. 

We will however be looking at options to have some open air meet-ups and a virtual option as below

WiseUp2 training:
We are looking to make all of our upcoming training courses virtual, which is an exciting opportunity for us all! We will have further information to follow about these training courses shortly. Use this time to upskill yourself or your staff!

Whose up for virtual networking? Let mel@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk know so we can utilise our time at home and see how we can make this work for everyone. How about a 60 second pitch with Q&A's .If you have any ideas let us know! 

Let’s work together! 
If you have any advice or top tips to share on effective working during the current situation, please email lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk who will then share this with all of our members and include in the next issue of Chamber Connect Magazine, where possible. We want to encourage everyone to be as positive as possible. 

The Chamber is open for business!

Kamelia Kids are having an open day to celebrate commissioning of their magic carpet and the transformation of their sensory wellbeing garden 

The ‘Magic Carpet’ is a ‘state of the art’ floor projection system which will help take our learning, play and communication work with children to an entirely different level.  It is an incredible, interactive resource which works by projecting games and images onto the floor that users can then play with and control themselves, simply by moving on or over the projected image. 

In addition we intend to transform an outside space where the garden will be used as a calming place and in a gentle way help to stimulate the children’s senses, encouraging them to touch, to smell, to taste and generally be able to interact with the environment around them, giving them opportunities for learning whatever the weather!

Date: Saturday 2nd May
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: Kamelia Kids, Wellesley Avenue, Goring By Sea BN12 4PN 

Packed Worthing conference told of Councils’ commitment to combating climate change 

We owe it to all generations to make our planet greener and cleaner, a packed climate conference was told today in Worthing.

Leader of Worthing Council, Cllr Daniel Humphreys, outlined to delegates at the Zero2030 conference what Adur & Worthing Councils are doing to build a more sustainable environment and combat climate change.  

He said the Councils had declared a climate emergency in July last year and had pledged two million pounds over the next few years to build on their carbon reduction plans. 

They had also committed to moving towards zero carbon energy use across Adur and Worthing by 2050, and within the Councils by 2030. Their SustainableAW framework - with ambitious plans in six key areas: biodiversity, carbon reduction, energy, transport, waste reduction and water - had also been updated. 

Over 300 local people, including local residents and representatives from local businesses, community and civic groups attended the community-led conference at Worthing’s Assembly Hall to discuss how to shape the local response to the climate emergency.

Cllr Humphreys added: “This conference is about us working together to come up with some of the solutions and develop ideas for local action.”

Speakers at the conference included keynote speaker Isabella Tree of the well-known rewilding project at Knepp Estate near Horsham and Matt Rooney of sustainability experts, Anthesis, which has been helping the Councils measure and monitor its energy use as part of its carbon reduction strategy.

Tree, a conservation pioneer, told the audience that creating corridors of rewilded areas was key in Sussex and across the country. They not only increased biodiversity by giving wildlife safe havens they can move between, but also had a key role in carbon reduction and in stopping flooding in lowland areas. 

“We are seeing birds on our land which we haven’t seen in 100 years, and our restored soils are capturing double the amount of carbon, as well as acting like a sponge, absorbing water.” 

Community groups were also given time at the conference to talk about the work they are already doing locally. They included the two key organisers of the conference, Transition Town Worthing (TTW) and Worthing Climate Action Network (Worthing CAN).

Speaking afterwards, Michelle Furtado of Worthing CAN said: We want people to feel inspired and positive about what can be done, and then we hope they take that back into their communities, their streets, their schools and their lives.”

Students from Chatsmore Catholic High School, who are part of the FingerPrints (not footprints) climate action group also spoke at the conference, and other local groups and organisations set up stalls. They included Community Works, Surfers Against Sewage, Breathing Spaces, Sustrans, South East Climate Alliance, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Sompting Estate and Community Chest. 

Free networking and collaboration event. Learn why it’s important to collaborate for business growth and how to make an effective start. 

This is one event in a special series designed for entrepreneurs and creative businesses in West Sussex. Free training sessions along with a networking opportunity to learn about collaboration, are happening across co-working venues in Worthing, Chichester & Bognor Regis this March. The in-depth training available includes both digital and business skills. Join us on one or more, to learn how to catapult your company to new heights.

Collaboration can help build trust. As a trustworthy company, you’ll be better placed to win more business and you'll be able to secure expertise from like-minded people.

After some structured networking, hear from former Business Link Advisor Jo Yates. Jo has a vast amount of experience in providing SMEs with business support and advising them how to build contractor relationships, in addition to helping companies submit funding bids. She has also been a successful business owner herself (18 years), selling her business in 2016.

During Jo's presentation you will learn through real life case studies from business owners who’ve had successful collaborations which have led to companies excelling whilst exceeding their growth targets.

This event is ideal for those looking to network with other creative/digital/growing businesses in the Worthing area.

5:30pm - arrivals, light refreshments and networking

5:50pm - introductions and networking activity

6.35pm - informative presentation from Jo Yates with real life case study examples

Followed by Q&A opportunity and further networking if time

7:30pm - finish

This event is being delivered by Shake It Up Creative, in collaboration with Freedom Works, and with the support of West Sussex County Council.

Click here for more information and to book. 

Brooklands: New plans unveiled to transform park into a magical new landmark destination

Spectacular images of the plans to transform Brooklands Park into a magical destination have been released as more than £3m is earmarked to fund the next stage of development.

A map of the new landmark shows a park that will be fit for playing, resting and learning with a number of new glades, new picnic areas, an adventure playground and a state-of-the-art cafe just some of the new attractions planned.

A contemplation garden either side of the Teville Stream is also to be created with new planting adding to a sensory nature of the entire park.

Executive members of Worthing Borough Council are being recommended to approve £2.35m extra funding to bring the the vision to reality with borrowing making up most of the sum.

Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services, Cllr Edward Crouch, said, ‘I think these plans are fantastic. We said we would deliver something magnificent for Brooklands, to bring it back to a real destination location.

‘The plans allow people, young and old, to have great fun in the park but also learn about nature and find quiet spaces to relax. I believe Brooklands will be returned to a jewel in the crown landmark for Worthing.’

The original plan for the redevelopment of Brooklands stated that it should be a science nature park with the emphasis on fun learning, supporting the STEM school curriculum, while also encouraging wellbeing through outdoor activity. People with all needs should be catered for with new gateways, paths and seating areas suitable for those with disability.

Now included in the plans are:

• A new visitor hub including cafe with internal and external seating powered from sustainable resources.
• An adventure play area to house 30 pieces of equipment, two of which are climbing frames more than 4 metres high
• An outdoor space for multi use events such as frisbee, football or other activities surrounded by seating
• A contemplative garden bordering the Teville Stream with new sensory planting
• A new accessible pathway circumnavigating the lake with seating areas and shelters
• A 2.5k fitness trail around the park
• A number of glades on the old golf course, including Community Garden, Play and Build, Nature, Wind and Winter, discrete areas sheltered by planting allowing for different community activities including food growing, seed sowing, play dens, bug hotels and bird boxes. 
• Windmill oxygenators (I think two?) for the lake as well as windmills and chimes in the Wind Glade.
• A mount celebrating the highest point in the park, from which views of the sea gives a strong sense of place.

The Council has already funded the dredging and environmental enhancement of the lake which was completed in 2018 as well as the Valley Gardens section of Teville Stream. Now a more technical design, by Turkington Martin Landscape Architects, is to be drawn up ahead of inviting companies to bid for the construction phase. The cafe and two pieces of play equipment above 4m have already been submitted for planning approval. It is hoped construction can be underway by this year.

Members of the Worthing Borough Council executive will be asked to formally approve the next stage of the plans and the funding at a meeting of Adur & Worthing Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee next Tuesday (March 10).