Businesses in the North West have responded to a series of strict new measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
On Monday evening, Mr Johnson put Britain into lockdown as the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic entered a new phase.
He said people should only leave their homes for the most essential reasons and said non-essential shops should close.
He warned the police would enforce the new rules.
The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) said businesses must “play their part” to limit the spread of coronavirus.
BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “As the 海角视频 goes into lockdown, ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate, and those which must now shut their doors.
“The new restrictions make it all the more important that the massive package of financial support announced by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible.”
Begbies Traynor
Insolvency firm Begbies Traynor Group said it will still provide an update on the fourth quarter following the year end on April 30 and, as reported in December 2019, is in a “strong financial position.
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Begbies Traynor said: “The group has a breadth of service lines with multiple sources of revenue and retains a strong counter-cyclical focus (accounting for 65 per cent of our income); this broad range and depth of services provides the group with flexibility as the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and our markets develops.”
The group said it has “quickly enabled” the majority of its employees to work “remotely and securely” as of last week, while “continuing to provide advice and support to our clients in this challenging environment”.
“In these challenging times we will be working to ensure businesses and all stakeholders receive the appropriate advice to assist them in working through these difficult circumstances,” it added.
Redrow
Housebuilder Redrow has said its sites remain open with “strict precautions in place”, including cleaning, additional hygiene and social distancing.
Redrow said trading has remained “resilient” in the first 12 weeks of the second half to March 20.
However, last week visitors to site were “substantially down” and the cancellation rate had increased.
It said: “As the government's escalating measures to contain the spread of the virus take effect, it is inevitable our sales rate will be seriously impaired over the coming weeks and build output will be significantly affected by labour and material shortages.
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“We also expect outlet openings to slip as local authorities delay planning committee meetings.”
The group has cancelled its 10.5p interim dividend, which amounted to £37m and was due to be paid on April 9 to shareholders on the register at close of business on March 6.
“Once we have more certainty over the impact on the industry and our business we will make an announcement over future dividend distributions together with an update on trading,” it said.
The firm said it is “reassured” by the government’s measures to help businesses.
“During these unprecedented times we remain focused on delivering quality homes whilst at the same time doing everything we can to protect and support our customers, colleagues and subcontractors.”
Together
Specialist lender Together has said it will not be accepting any new loan applications across its product range for a temporary period.
In a statement, the lender said it will focus its customers currently in its pipeline, “ensuring an assessment of their current situation is undertaken whilst honouring our commitment of mortgage offers as appropriate”.
Together has said, in line with the latest guidance, it has taken “steps necessary” to relocate its colleagues.
The lender said the majority of its staff are now working remotely from home.
It said: “We are closely monitoring official governmental guidance and where appropriate implementing changes to our forbearance policies in order to support our customers who are impacted by COVID-19.
“These include the adoption of measures to support the government's recent announcement on three month payment holidays. We are also redeploying colleagues from across the business to help with the expected increase in contact from our existing customers about their individual circumstances.”
K3
K3 Business Technologies Group has said it will delay the announcement of its final results and cancel dividends.
In statement, the group also said “productive discussions” are being held with Barclays and K3s two major shareholders - Kestrel Partners and Johan Claesson - to improve the company’s liquidity.
The group, which intended to announce its preliminary results for the year ended November 30 on March 26, will delay publishing them following guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
K3 also said it will cancel its dividend and, separately, the board is actively reviewing options to wind-down one of the group's underperforming third-party solutions units in the 海角视频.
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“Plans are being assessed and updated as the situation evolves.”
Chief executive Adalsteinn Valdimarsson said: "K3 provides mission critical software to a range of sectors worldwide, with an installed base of 3,700 business customers and a significant proportion of revenues that are recurring in nature.
“We believe these attributes together with the pre-emptive action taken by the board in relation to cost-cutting and securing additional liquidity will help us weather the challenges caused by the coronavirus global pandemic.
“Looking beyond this crisis, we see good growth opportunities ahead."