This winter and into 2021, businesses will need to get leaner and fitter to overcome the challenges and grasp the opportunities on the horizon.

Businesses faced a perfect storm as the first wave of support for the economy was due to end this autumn.  Then in mid-September the Chancellor gave us a partial, and temporary, reprieve. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended until April 2021.  The prohibition on landlord forfeiture has been extended, as has the prohibition on COVID-related winding up petitions. In November new Job Retention Scheme guidance was issued. Loan scheme deadlines have been extended but not by long. This presents a key window of opportunity for businesses to ensure they are prepared for next spring.