Launch of Strategic Capacity Scheme

The Department for Enterprise’s Coronavirus Strategic Capacity Scheme has been established to provide financial support to businesses in sectors of strategic importance, starting with registered tourist accommodation business that have been financially affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Isle of Man Government will be offering a tiered range of financial support, based on average revenue per room and occupancy rates, to the providers of certain serviced accommodation and, additionally, a fixed level of support for certain non-serviced accommodation which accounts for a workforce of over 800 people. This excludes B&Bs, temporary and permanent campsites and Homestay properties which by their nature do not have the same level of employment. Businesses must be registered with the Department for Enterprise in order to be eligible for support.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Our tourism businesses have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel around the world grinding to a halt. Our tourist accommodation sector was one of the first to feel this impact and this new scheme has been extended out to them first in order to help them put their affairs in order and keep their businesses intact during an extended period with no income. This is especially difficult at this time of year with many businesses investing substantially in anticipation of the season opening.

‘We have been working closely with our tourism industry to understand the ongoing impact on their businesses and the best support we can provide to help them navigate this very challenging time. The aim of this assistance is to help sustain our important businesses during the ongoing difficult trading conditions with the intention that they will then continue to be able to operate following the end of the pandemic.

’We recognise that recovery will take a long time, with consumer confidence and booking lead times set to return gradually once the pandemic is firmly under control. Today we are announcing an initial payment to those businesses affected to help them pay outstanding debts to local suppliers while we gather further information about ongoing fixed costs and support needed to enable these businesses to survive with closed doors. We will continue to review and will consider providing further support in the future.’  

Full guidelines for the scheme, information on eligible businesses and the application form will be updated here this week: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/coronavirus

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit www.gov.im/coronavirus