Coronavirus Resource Library

23 April 2020

Medilink, in regions across the UK are providing urgently needed support and coordination to industry and our Life Sciences/Health Care community with multiple requests and needs.

To help keep our networks regularly updated, we have produced our 'Coronavirus Resource Library'. Providing access for companies to the latest developments with priority products required by the NHS, business support schemes and coronavirus funding e.g. the Future Fund which will be launched in May.

Please check this page on a regular basis to stay up to date with new information.

Funding and finance

NEW: Merck Research Grant for Pandemic Preparedness - grant comprising up to 500,000 €/year for 3 years, with the option of extension.

NEW: The Sustainable Innovation Fund: round 2 (de minimis) - Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £26 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects as part of The Sustainable Innovation Fund. The aim of this competition is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19.

NEW: Access coronavirus business innovation support package
 

Government has extended the maximum loan size available through to Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £50 million to £200 million

Coronavirus Business Support Finfer Tool

Small business boosted by bounce back loans
Future Fund
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)
Free HMRC webinars to support employers and employees
Travel and subsistence funding to support LMIC engagement during the COVID-19 outbreak
UKRI Coronavirus Hub

Opportunities and Government calls for support

Business-led innovation in response to global disruption (de minimis)
COVID-19 Rapid Response Rolling Call
COVID-19: The Ventilator Challenge
Help the government increase coronavirus testing capacity
Offer coronavirus support from your business
Testing Methods Sourcing Platform
The Open Call - COVID-19 fast track
UKRI - get funding for ideas that address COVID-19

Government information

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses on working safely during COVID-19

Guidance on the different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers

Apply for a coronavirus test
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Coronavirus: business support grant funding - guidance for businesses
COVID-19: Business support
COVID-19: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan
Exceptional good distribution practice (GDP) flexibilities for medicines during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance on coronavirus tests and testing kits
MHRA guidance on coronavirus
Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed to support key industries during COVID-19

NHS

As the number of new cases of COVID-19 is declining, the time is right to work towards the restoration of a diverse and active portfolio of research funded and/or supported by the NIHR. To help initiate this process, the NIHR has developed a ‘Framework for restart’, which is a guidance document to support local decision-making. 

AHSN Networks 
NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19
NICE - COVID-19 rapid guidelines and evidence summaries
NIHR - government support for research related to COVID-19

Procurement and supply
BSI - PPE standards
COVID-10 NHS Supply Chains
Health Research Authority - guidance about COVID-19 for sponsors, sites and researchers
Healthcare Engineering Facilitator - Bringing UK Healthcare Manufacturers, Supply Chain and End Users Together
NIHR Surgical MedTech Co-operative - COVID-19 PPE Challenge
Technical Specifications for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - government advice

Legal
Hill Dickinson - COVID-19: impact on trading contracts
Hill Dickinson - guidance on NHS contracting and payment arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Hill Dickinson - suspension of competition law provisions for health providers to tackle coronavirus pressures
Hill Dickinson - UK ports and coronavirus - employment considerations

International Trade
COVID-19 guidance for businesses trading internationally
Customs authorisations during the coronavirus
Duties and custom procedures for exporting goods
Export Insurance Policy
Moving goods through customers during the coronavirus

We recommend you also check your regional Medilink websites for more local, regional information and support.

Medilink North of England 
Medilink West Midlands 
Medilink East Midlands 
Medilink South West 
SEHTA 
MediWales

If you have any queries please get in touch with your regional Medilink office or contact us here