Preparing for the end of Government Covid-19 Support
23rd June 2021 
General 
CHW Accounting
The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly adversely affected a significant number of businesses.
Businesses have had to cope with lockdowns and forced closures which has led to the Government providing unprecedented support. Many businesses have taken advantage of the various support schemes, whether by furloughing staff, utilising CBILS and Bounce Back loans or applying for business rate relief.
The Government extended its temporary insolvency measures, including the temporary suspension of statutory demands and winding-up petitions and the temporary removal of the threat of personal liability for wrongful trading from directors until 30 June 2021.
The enhanced Government coronavirus support and these temporary restrictions have led to insolvency rates remaining significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
However, Government support initiatives such as the furlough scheme will soon begin to wind down and businesses who have taken Government backed loans will be expected to repay them.
Businesses should plan for recovery now
Business debts have continued to increase since the start of the pandemic, but debt recovery has almost completely shut down, creating an artificial environment.
This can’t continue indefinitely and lenders under the Covid funding support programmes will want to see their loans repaid. As we emerge from the pandemic and the focus moves from business support to business recovery, repayment of monies will gain momentum.
It’s anticipated that debt recovery will be many businesses’ key priority as a source of much needed cashflow.
For businesses which have taken Government backed loans, these need to be factored into cashflow.
Cashflow forecasting will help to both anticipate and avoid “pinch points” especially as demands on working cash flow and debt repayment begin to compete.
Planning and taking professional advice is vital in positioning any business to meet the challenges caused by the effect of the pandemic.
Look to the future and get in touch if you are concerned and need our advice
Many companies will find that they still have a viable business, but the effects of the pandemic have caused the actual company, rather than the business itself, to be burdened with debt that it may be struggling to discharge without it affecting trading.
Our Business Recovery team has extensive experience in helping directors and shareholders restructure such businesses so that existing levels of debt can be managed, allowing the directors to focus their full attention on getting their business going again, rather than worrying about the accumulation of the debt accrued throughout the pandemic.
Thriving, prosperous businesses are vital in forming the cornerstone of the economic recovery and business owners will want to re-establish the business they had pre-pandemic without the worry of being debt laden for years to come.
If you are worried about your business’s finances, it does not necessarily mean the end – but you should seek professional advice as soon as possible – early intervention is key to survival. Restructuring assistance is available and possible but timing and planning are key.
Get in touch for advice at hello@chw-accounting.co.uk
This article is for general guidance only. It provides an outline, and may not include points which are important to your situation. You should not depend on this blog without taking advice based on the full facts of your case. The information given was correct at the time of publication.
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