Coronavirus Advice & Support for Different Business Sectors
With the coronavirus outbreak constantly changing, it is hard to find out what advice and support is available to specific types of businesses. Therefore, I have made a list of business representative organisations and trade associations for each industry in the hope that some of these resources can provide struggling businesses with support during this difficult time. Many of these organisations are happy to speak with you to get advice and will generally respond to non-member queries related to Coronavirus – some are even able to offer support schemes.
The government is also working closely with these business representative organisations and trade associations to support the national response to coronavirus, so it is worth keeping up to date with their news and updates as this can provide you with valuable information regarding your business.
Below is a rather extensive list in alphabetical order according to sector, so please just scroll down until you find the sector that best suits your business type, and see what advice/support is available to you.
Aerospace and Defence, and Aviation
Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS)
https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/industry-issues/coronavirus-covid-19-hub/
DS represents and supports UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. ADS have created a COVID-19 hub which sources information so you can understand how Coronavirus may affect your business.
Airport Operators Association (AOA)
https://www.aoa.org.uk/COVID-19/
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) has been designated as the representative of the airports sector and has set up a Covid-19 panel to offer information to the sector regarding Coronavirus.
Agriculture
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
https://ahdb.org.uk/coronavirus
AHDB is funded by farmers, growers and other supply chain businesses to equip the industry with easy to use, practical knowledge. They have provided a coronavirus help-desk which will provide access to critical information needed to manage agricultural business during Coronavirus.
National Farmers Union (NFU)
https://www.nfuonline.com/news/coronavirus-updates-and-advice/
The National Farmers union are a representative body for agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales. Their news hub will be updated regularly to keep you up to date with what you need to know and how to deal with the various issues raised by coronavirus.
British Florist Association (BFA)
The British Florist Association is the trade representing the interests of professional florists. They are posting regular updates as and when they are received to ensure their members are kept informed on Coronavirus regulations.
Architecture
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
RIBA is a global professional membership body that serves its members to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. The RIBA is working hard to provide all members with information and tools to navigate their way through the coronavirus.
Arts, Libraries and Museums
Independent Publishers Guild (IPG)
https://www.independentpublishersguild.com/IPG/Latest/COVID-19/COVID-19.aspx
The IPG is a trade body that represents independent book publishers in the UK and Republic of Ireland. They keep their website updated with details of new support resources for businesses and publishers during the Coronavirus.
Arts Council England
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
The Arts council are offering all the latest advice, guidance and emergency funding measures the government and several external organisations have put into place to address the coronavirus crisis.
National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC)
https://www.nationalmuseums.org.uk/
The National Museum Directors’ Council (NMDC) represents the leaders of the UK’s national collections and major regional museums. They are providing information regarding the latest Coronavirus restrictions and industry guidelines.
Automotive
The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA)
https://the-mia.com/page/COVID19guidance
MIA is the trade association for motorsport, high-performance engineering and tuning sectors. They are offering Coronavirus information which includes additional support, advice and community opportunities.
The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA)
https://www.bita.org.uk/coronavirus/
BITA is the trade association for forklift truck manufacturers and suppliers, suppliers of associated components and services, and the materials handling media in the UK. They are providing guideline information to help the materials handling industry stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chemical, Health Technology and Pharmaceutical
Association of the British Health Tech Industries (ABHI)
https://www.abhi.org.uk/what-we-do/abhi-covid-19-hub/
The ABHI is an industry association for health technology with members who include both multinational companies and small/medium sized enterprises. They are providing a coronavirus hub which keeps members informed of the business implications caused by Coronavirus.
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
https://www.abpi.org.uk/medicine-discovery/covid-19/#a0dae399
ABPI represents pharmaceutical companies of all sizes across the UK. They are working closely with the Department of Health and the NHS to find out how members can get support from the government during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Construction
Build UK
https://builduk.org/coronavirus/
Build UK is a representative organisation for the UK construction industry. The Build UK webpage collates the latest coronavirus information and support for employers.
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
https://www.fmb.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/covid-19.html
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is a trade association for businesses in the building materials’ supply chain across the UK and Ireland. They are offering safety guidance for builders and offering advice on government support.
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
https://www.citb.co.uk/urgent-messages/
CITB is the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland and Wales. They are providing specific industry updates relating to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Creative
Creative Industries Federation
https://www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/news/covid-19-support-government
The Creative Industries Federation is a membership body that lobbies and advocates for the UK creative industry sector. They are providing an up-to-date breakdown of coronavirus support as and when the news hits.
The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA)
https://ipa.co.uk/membership/covid-19-support-and-advice-for-ipa-members
The IPA is the chartered trade body representing the interests of advertising and marketing communications agencies in the UK. They have created a hub which brings you the most up-to-date information from the IPA, Government and other key sources.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Aluminium Federation
https://alfed.org.uk/media/government-updates/
The Aluminium Federation is a trade association representing businesses who process, trade and work with aluminium. They are providing information regarding the latest government updates via their website.
Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA)
https://www.amdea.org.uk/covid-19-information-for-businesses/
AMDEA is working to ensure the continued supply of critical appliances and support to householders and the emergency services. They have a COVID-19 information section on their website which outlines the specific coronavirus guidelines relating to the industry.
Made in Britain
https://www.madeinbritain.org/news
Made in Britain represents factory-owning businesses and promotes them with the official Made in Britain mark. They provide a news hub offering all the latest support and coronavirus guidance.
Make UK
https://www.makeuk.org/news-and-events/news/coronavirus-covid19-update-to-pay-or-not-to-pay
Make UK represents British manufacturing and manufacturers. They offer support for businesses affected by the coronavirus, offering advice and up-to-date government announcements.
The Packaging Federation
http://www.packagingfedn.co.uk/aboutus.html
The Packaging Federation is the trade association representing the UK packaging manufacturing industry, the sectors of glass, metal, paper and board and plastics.
The British Toy & Hobby Association
https://www.btha.co.uk/covid-19-business-advice-and-support-for-btha-members/
The British Toy & Hobby Association represents the interests of British toy manufacturers, ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses. They are offering business support announcements from the government via their website and have links to financial support information.
Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA)
https://www.eca.co.uk/coronavirus
The ECA is a trade association for those working in electrical and engineering services. Their business recovery page provides all the latest industry-relevant information and guidance on the following topics: Commercial and Legal, Health and Safety, Employment, Technical, Industry, Government Support and other support for businesses.
Surface Engineering Association (SEA)
https://www.sea.org.uk/blog/covid-19-a-guide-to-temporary-homeworking-for-businesses/
SEA represents companies across the surface engineering supply chain. They are the voice of the surface engineering industry, representing the companies within it. They have a blog section on their website which provides related information regarding coronavirus and how it impacts the surface engineering industry.
Entertainment
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
https://www.aim.org.uk/#/resources/covid-19-coronavirus—aim-member-faq
AIM is a not-for-profit trade body which represents the UK’s independent music sector. They have a blog outlining the business guidance for the music industry during the Coronavirus.
Animation UK
https://www.animationuk.org/news/
Animation UK is part of the UK Screen Alliance and represents every UK animation company. They have a news section on their website which posts regular blogs updating members on all the latest Covid related business support.
British Film Commission
http://britishfilmcommission.org.uk/guidance/regarding-covid-19-coronavirus/
British Film Commission is the UK-wide support organisation for inward investment feature film and high-end TV production and industry. They have published a document intended to provide high-level guidance to manage COVID-19 specific risk in producing film and high-end TV dramas in the UK.
British Phonographic Industry (BPI)
https://www.bpi.co.uk/coronavirus-information-hub/
The BPI represents the UK recorded music industry. They have published relevant information and links to government advice on how to support your music business during the coronavirus pandemic.
TIGA
TIGA represents the UK’s games industry. They provide high quality information and updates, as well as represent the industry to the Government in order to ensure that the gaming sector is supported through this difficult time.
Events
Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP)
BVEP represents trade associations involved in conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, event hospitality, ceremonies, festivals, sporting and cultural events. Their website offers news and articles which give advice on business support during the coronavirus.
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/coronavirus?k=30cdfbcf8e205792be8adadf43630166035c27d5
BCC is a network of chambers which build connections between businesses and share best practices to help businesses trade. They identify the steps that Chambers and members can implement to minimise impact on local communities and support the UK government’s strategy during the coronavirus.
Institute of Export and International Trade (IoE)
https://www.export.org.uk/page/COVID-19
The IoE set and maintain professional standards in international trade management and export practice. They are monitoring UK government guidelines regarding events and meetings during the coronavirus.
Fashion
British Fashion Council
https://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/About/COVID-19-Updates
The British Fashion Council are closely monitoring COVID-19 updates, advice and support for businesses, and ensuring the challenges facing the fashion industry are articulated to the government.
Finance
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
https://www.ifa.org.uk/technical-resources/covid19resources
The IFA is a professional membership body that supports accountants and students who work in and/or advise small to medium sized enterprises. They’ve pulled together resources which are useful for individuals who work remotely or are in self-isolation.
UK Finance
https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/covid-19
UK Finance represents firms across banking, finance and payment industries. They are supporting all customers by offering advice on how to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on households and businesses across the UK.
Food Supply
British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)
https://beerandpub.com/policies/covid-19/
BBPA represents, supports and campaigns for the wellbeing of the beer and pub sector. They are providing all of the BBPA’s briefings on COVID-19 and how to access Government support.
British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA)
https://www.britishsoftdrinks.com/covid-19
BSDA is a trade association representing the interests of producers and manufacturers of soft drinks to the UK and devolved governments. Their Covid section outlines all of the industry standard regulations to ensure safe practice during these uncertain time.
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD)
https://www.fwd.co.uk/coronavirus-update/
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is a trade association representing the interests of food and drink wholesalers to the UK. Their page brings together key information for businesses including funding and support, business closures, safety responsibilities and managing businesses during coronavirus.
Wine & Spirits Trade Association (WSTA)
https://www.wsta.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
The WSTA represents companies producing, importing, exporting, transporting and selling wines and spirits in the UK. They support members in the hospitality sector and help them deal with the effects of COVID-19.
Hair and Beauty
British Beauty Council
https://britishbeautycouncil.com/coronavirus-business-support/
The British Beauty Council works with the beauty industry, government and others to drive excellence and growth across the industry. They are offering support for businesses within the industry that are not on the list of those invited to apply for grants.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF)
https://www.nhbf.co.uk/coronavirus/
The NHBF is the leading trade association for hairdressing, barbering and beauty salon owners. They are closely monitoring the developing coronavirus situation and doing all they can to support members affected by the pandemic.
Health
The Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT)
The APNT represents physical and natural health therapists across the UK. They offer Covid-19 guidance and keep their members up-to-date with all the government updates relating to the industry.
Hospitality
UKHospitality
https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/page/coronavirus
UKHospitality is the national trade body for businesses providing hospitality, tourism and leisure. They are providing reliable information for hospitality businesses who have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Infrastructure
British Expertise International (BEI)
https://www.britishexpertise.org/resources/covid-19-resources
BEI is a member organisation for companies exporting infrastructure, capacity building and international development, with a particular focus on the dynamic and growing markets of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and South East Europe. They are providing Covid-19 related support materials to help businesses cope with the coronavirus impact.
Labour and Recruitment
Association of Labour Providers
https://labourproviders.org.uk/covid-19/
The Association of Labour Providers represents businesses who supply labour into the UK consumer goods sector. They are publishing regular member updates and public guidance and directly engaging with government, trade bodies, retailers and other key contacts.
Legal
The Law Society of England and Wales
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus
The Law Society of England and Wales is the independent professional body for solicitors. They are offering covid related advice and support to help legal businesses survive the pandemic.
Professional and Business Services Sector
Advertising Association (AA)
https://adassoc.org.uk/our-work-category/coronavirus/
The Advertising Association promotes the role and rights of responsible advertising and its value to people, society, businesses and the economy. Their Covid section provides all of the statements and comments made on the Government’s Coronavirus announcements from the first lockdown in March 2020 to the latest restrictions announced at the beginning of 2021.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
https://www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Update-on-Coronavirus/
CIMA represents management accountants across the globe. They provide high level overviews, tools and resources relating to coronavirus.
Confederation of Business Industry (CBI)
https://www.cbi.org.uk/coronavirus-hub/
CBI speaks on behalf of businesses across every region, sector and size. They provide a section on their website which tells business owners everything they need to know about coronavirus and how it will impact trade.
Retail
British Home Enhancement Trade Association
https://www.bheta.co.uk/category/news/covid19-news/
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association is the trade association for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors involved in DIY home improvement, garden, housewares. They have a Covid-19 news section on their website which offers business owners information and advice.
British Independent Retailers Association
https://bira.co.uk/coronavirus/
British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) is a membership association dedicated to retail businesses. They offer Covid related advice and support for small retail businesses in the UK.
Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN)
NFRN provides advice, support and advocacy for independent retailers in the news and convenience sectors.
Small Businesses
Federation of small businesses (FSB)
https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html
FSB represents small businesses and the self-employed, and provides COVID19 advice/webinars, 24/7 legal advice and support around mental health, debt recovery and employment issues.
Sport
UK Sport
https://www.uksport.gov.uk/coronavirus-response
Responsible for investing in Olympic and Paralympic sport across the whole of the UK. They offer Covid support and guidance to all sport related businesses across the UK.
Technology
GSM Association
https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/covid-19-industry-updates-and-guidance/
The GSM Association represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. They have a newsroom which publishes articles about updates and guidance set out by the government for the technology industry.
TechUK
https://www.techuk.org/shaping-policy/covid-19.html
TechUK is the Trade Association for Digital Technology Companies in the UK. They have a hub which brings together the latest government updates relevant to the technology sector, as well as case studies and further information about how the industry has responded to the crisis.
Tourism
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)
https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak
ABTA is a UK trade association for tour operators and travel agents. Their website shares important announcements on developments relating to the coronavirus pandemic and the tourism industry.
Transport
Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators Ltd (AVRO)
https://www.avrouk.com/news.asp?pID=109&page=Covid_19_Updates
AVRO is the trade association for the roadside recovery industry, representing members throughout the UK and Ireland. They share regular updates regarding government guidelines and offer support to businesses in the transport industry.
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