Business gateway back to business webinars
Business Gateway is hosting a regular programme of webinars. Find out more and book Business Gateway Webinars in Ayrshire.
Safe operation of businesses during COVID-19
The latest guidance can be found at Scottish Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces.
Business scams
The spread of coronavirus means more people are working from home than ever before. This provides fewer opportunities to talk to colleagues, a different work environment and may result in increased stress.
Criminals have taken advantage of these changes to target employees who are more isolated from colleagues, in order to gain sensitive information or make payments. They will also try to gain access to business devices and networks and everything stored on them.
Scams include:
- fake COVID-19 grant payments
- tax refund frauds
- false invoices for face masks
The increased risk for businesses has led National Trading Standards to encourage more businesses to join Businesses Against Scams. The initiative provides free tools for businesses to help upskill and train their workforce, through free online training modules that will help staff identify and prevent potential scams.
You can find out more about coronavirus related scams and how to report them on our Trading Standards page.
BeReady
We provide free practical advice from specialist HR and financial management consultants via the beReady programme, delivered remotely and addressing what employers should be doing now to look after their employees and to safeguard the future of their businesses.
Existing beReady projects will continue to be delivered and new projects supported, with all consultants working directly with companies via telephone, Skype, Go ToMeeting or other remote communication tools.
Please email enquiries to business@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
Watch this short video webinar on YouTube by Business Gateway on the practical steps you can take just now to help you plan for any disruption.
Scottish Enterprise has issued advice on business continuity.
Scottish Government helpline
The Scottish Government business helpline number is 0300 303 0660.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.
Useful links
Useful links that can help support your business: