Persistent lobbying results in Brightlingsea Yacht Harbour's claim being approved

The Challenge

When the world stopped back in March 2020, Brightlingsea Harbour saw a publication posted on the British Marine website, which confirmed their eligibility for the COVID-19 Business relief grant. After applying for the grant, their claim was refused by the local council, after the accounts team disputed their claim for over six months with no response, they sought help from British Marine.

How we helped overturn the local council’s decision

British Marine contacted the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for a justification as to why they were rejected, as Brightlingsea Harbour is classified as a Leisure Marine Business. They were not able to provide an answer, so British Marine contacted the council directly, another review was conducted which led to the claim being approved.

In total, Brightlingsea Harbour was awarded £25k which would not have otherwise been paid without British Marine’s intervention. In addition to receiving the relief rate, Brightlingsea Harbour became aware of another advantage in the process. After being passed from pillar to post and not knowing which direction to take, Brightlingsea Harbour received specialist support from a British Marine Affiliated Tax Consultant.

It transpired that they had been paying Tax on areas of the business where it was not required, within weeks they received a rebate of £31k after incorrectly paying Tax for four years. As British Marine members, they were only required to pay a much-reduced consultancy fee.

REDUCED
CONSULTANCY FEES

As British Marine Members

£31,000

Overpaid Tax Rebate

£25,000

Business Grant Awarded

It can be difficult to get through the layers in Governmental organisations, particularly HMRC and district councils. In a pandemic that becomes even harder. Having an organisation that is able to get through the layers and advocate on your behalf makes life just that little bit easier. It certainly paid off in our case.

Harbour Master /Chief Executive