Neil Andrews of Cole Miller solicitors
Dorset law firm Coles Miller is offering free initial consultations with levy-payers in the Coastal BID area about the impact of the coronavirus on their businesses.
The expert solicitors understand all the emergency packages so far announced and how to access them.
As levy-payers themselves they are keen to assist those trading in the Coastal BID’s seven ‘villages’.
These are; Tuckton, Pokesdown, Southbourne, Boscombe, East Cliff & West Cliff, Seafront and Westbourne.
The BID is also putting information on its website and over its social media channels as guidance for its levy-payers.
Neil Andrews, employment partner at Coles Miller, said: “As solicitors we are best placed to interpret all new guidance and assistance that has been announced.
“In a spirit of togetherness we will give free initial consultations to all of the Coastal BID’s levy-payers to explain what they might be entitled to.
“Clearly this is a fast-moving situation and there are new announcements almost daily and we are monitoring them all.
“We have already been advising businesses on the job retention scheme, disruption loans, mortgage holidays, rental issues and tax breaks.”
Paul Clarke, chairman of the BID, said: “In these times we are working hard to provide our levy-payers with information and to give reassurance.
“We aim to keep everyone informed through our website and social media channels and we’re extremely grateful to Coles Miller for their offer.
“We have seen huge disruption already and with the tourism industry essentially closed things might well get harder before they become easier.
“However, this will be a temporary situation and we want to be prepared for when things get back to normal.
“Therefore it is important that businesses remain open where possible and ready to re-open if they are forced to close.”
The Coastal BID’s coronavirus resources page is here:
Coronavirus: Information & Resources for businesses and employees
Levy-payers seeking advice from Coles Miller should call 01202 355695 and ask to speak to someone in the employment team, mentioning they are a Coastal BID business.