Nationwide gym closures confirmed; rates, grants, loans guidance

England boxing has confirmed that, following the government’s instructions, all gyms must now regrettably close for boxing activity until further notice.

Clubs who are running community initiatives to help during the pandemic can, however, remain open for that purpose only, but must strictly adhere to Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.

A statement issued to clubs read: “We fully understand the considerable impact this is going to have on Clubs up and down the country, especially on top of the cancellation of end-of-season club shows etc.

“Please be assured we have already, and will continue to make, representation to government via the Sport England and the Sport and Recreational Alliance about the effect the closures are going to have on our Clubs and to seek ways in which this can be addressed.

“Given we have over 950 clubs in membership, there are obviously a lot of variations as to how each operates – from Ltd companies and CASC through to unincorporated associations and sport clubs – but wherever possible we will provide updates on the Government announcements and where to find out additional information.

“It’s appreciated that this support will not directly cover many of our Clubs, and we will endeavour to provide further updates as they become available, including clarity on whether this applies to registered charities.

“We also reiterate that we are pushing to see what direct support can be made available to Clubs from government funding. In the meantime, our Club Support Officers are also available to help in any way they can.”

Help for Clubs that are Ltd companies

England Boxing has clarified the government support for clubs that are Ltd with regard to rates relief, grants and loans.

• Business rates relief – Will apply to clubs that pays business rates. Local authorities will contact businesses.
• Mortgage holiday – Will apply to clubs that has a mortgage on the building/space. Please contact your mortgage provider.
• Business interruption loan – Clubs needs to apply through their own bank. This is basically a bank loan with the government covering the interest for the first 12 months.
• Small business grant £10k – Available to businesses that currently has small business rates relief. Each local authority will contact businesses shortly regarding how to apply for this.
• Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – This is available for those with property of a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Local authorities will contact eligible businesses.
• VAT payments – Any VAT payment from the three-month period between 30^th March 2020 to 30 June 2020 will automatically be deferred until the end of the year.
• Income Tax self-assessment payments – the July 2020 payment is now automatically deferred to January 2021.
• HMRC time to pay (falling outside of VAT and Income Tax Self-Assessment) – Clubs can contact HMRC regarding delaying payments on a case by case basis.
• Full refund on Statutory Sick Pay – While this will become available, it has not been finalised by HMRC yet. More details will be posted on the link at the appropriate time.
• 80% salary contribution for furloughed workers – Currently being set-up, with details to follow from HMRC.

For more details on the information above, and for updates, please go to the government guidance here.

Self-employed coaches

Advice has been posted by UK Coaching for self-employed coaches, along with an ongoing thread of questions and answers that coaches can access.

You can view it by clicking here.

England Boxing will continue to do its best to provide updates, advice and support as quickly as possible and urges everyone within the boxing fraternity to stay safe.