COVID-19 Resources

Following the UK government’s advice on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Academy of Engineering has closed its London premises, Prince Philip House until further notice. This includes the closure of the Taylor Centre.

Our absolute priority in this difficult period is the welfare of Academy staff, Fellows, Hub Members and other stakeholders and we are fully committed to supporting the UK government’s efforts to limit the spread of the virus. Enterprise Hub Members should be reassured that the Academy will accommodate necessary changes to projects as much as possible.

Further information is available here.

We have created the dedicated resource pages here to ensure you have the access to relevant advice and guidance. If you have come across other useful materials that you feel we should be sharing with the community please contact us on: enterprise@raeng.org.uk.

Managing your startup in a time of crisis

• Coronavirus Tech Handbook
• Geekwire: Advice on how to manage your burn, and not panic
• Steve Blank’s survival strategy advice, and how to create your new business model
• Blunt and tough legal advice you need to hear now
• Smart advice from SmartCompany
• Planning to conserve cash
• Entrepreneurial advice on how to pivot your startup
• Support for your business during Coronavirus
  
• Medium: Coronavirus: The Black Swan of 2020

COVID19 Support for Businesses

• Gov.uk: Support for businesses paying tax: Time to Pay service

Helplines

• HMRC’s dedicated tax helpline (if you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19): 0800 0159 559. 
• The UK Government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy also has a business support helpline: 0300 456 3565

Funding

• Government support finder
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
• Gov.uk Future Fund scheme
• UKRI are seeking to fund ideas that address Covid-19
• Founder Grants: fund your startup without giving up equity
• SEEDRS: Create an Awesome Investment Pitch Deck
• For guidance on funding terminology
• COVID-19 European Investor Status
• For relevant funding calls please visit the Academy COVID-19 Response Page

Innovation Funding Service

• Innovate UK Smart Grants: August 2020
  
• 5G enabled road and rail transport trials in the West Midlands, round 2
• SMEs transforming food production: series A investor partnership
  
• UK and Canada biomanufacturing innovations in cell and gene therapies
  
• Transforming Foundation industries: Investor partner selection
• Robotics for a more resilient future R&D strand
• Faraday Battery Challenge: Innovation R&D, Round 4
• NATEP: helping SMEs innovate in aerospace Autumn 2020
• ATI Programme strategic batch: expression of interest November 2020
• ISCF Future Plastic Packaging Solutions
• SBRI competition - Modernising Energy Data Applications phase 1
• SBRI: Innovate at HS2 2020, phase 1

Remote working

• SeedLegals: Create your custom coronavirus Work From Home policy
  
• Digital Working: COVID-19
• TIME: 5 Tips for Staying Productive and Mentally Healthy While You're Working From Home
• OutwitTrade: Working From Home Tips - 29 Great Tips From 29 People
• BBC: Coronavirus: How to work from home, the right way

Mental health and wellbeing

• MIND: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
• BBC: Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health

Business Development tools

• Balderton B2B Sales Playbook

Media guidelines 

• LinkedIn: A few guidelines for Growing Tech Companies regarding Media Relations and PR during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Northern Ireland based support

We have compiled a list of useful contacts for you, all in one place. Check them out here.