COVID-19 Advice and Resources

In light of the current situation with COVID-19, we are pleased to release this new webpage with curated resources and advice signposting designed to benefit creative digital and tech companies during this time. Find advice on finance (including grants and loans available), HR, marketing, wellbeing, and more below.

We are now running weekly webinars on HR and finance during COVID-19, and weekly online networking events. Sign up to upcoming events here.

Generator offers free business coaching with a range of experts now available via video call. You can access up to 12 hours of business coaching with our Supply Chain North East programme! Find out more here.

Business Support and Signposting

Sunderland Software City Offers Virtual Business Support

Sunderland Software City is offering virtual business support (including marketing strategy, customer engagement, market research, etc), digital funding and legal advice drop-ins, virtual residentials and online skills activities. Find out more.

Tees Valley Combined Authority Business Support Helpline

If you need help accessing information on Government support during the coronavirus outbreak @TeesValleyCA can help, get in touch 01642 662 777 or support@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.

FSB Offers Advice and Guidance for Small Businesses and Self-Employed During COVID-19

Lates news, free webinars, FAQs, and more. Find out more.

Innovation SuperNetwork Signposting Page

From funding to partner support. Find out more.

Natwest Coronavirus Insights Hub

Natwest have pulled together an amazing set of content designed to help facilitate business continuity by providing new insight and advice as well as highlighting previously published content that is particularly relevant now. Find out more.

Transmit Coronavirus Business Support Hub

Transmit has put together a hub of free advice – from cashflow to loans and financial support. Find out more.

Finance & Law

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Transmit’s CBILS is now open for applications. Key differences include:

12 months trading history only (most others will ask for 24 months trading history)

No early settlement fees if you can find a better refinance offer when CV19 is over

No fees / No interest for 12 months

We are based in north east

Find out more.

Blu Sky Chartered Accountants Blog

DU Sponsor Blu Sky release fantastic financial content on their blog regularly in response to COVID-19, including the job retention scheme, self-employed income support scheme, and more. Find out more.

Apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

This scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to access finance of up to £5 million. Find out more.

Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic : legal FAQs for businesses in the UK

DU Sponsor Ward Hadaway has created this Covid-19 hub. It is aimed at businesses and people looking for a clear answer to commonly asked questions in these uncharted and extreme circumstances. Find out more.

HR

HR Dept. Blog

DU Friend HR Dept. is releasing new content frequently on their blog in response to COVID-19 – including the topics of emergency HR support for SMEs, furloughing, managing workplace mental health during Coronavirus, and more. Find out more.

Oculus HR: Advice for Employers

DU Member Oculus HR released an article recently with a lot of useful advice for employers during COVID-19. Find out more.

Marketing & Comms

Colehouse Communications: Dealing With Coronavirus Comms

DU Member Colehouse Communications recently released this fantastic article detailing how they have supported clients in managing COVID-19 comms and how you can too. Find out more.

Narrative Communications: 7 Comms You Need Right Now

Narrative takes you through a helpful list of 7 comms your business needs during COVID-19. Find out more.