Ukraine crisis: Support for small business owners

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt the global economy, UK small businesses must keep a close eye on their operations and get advice.  If you export or import from either country or the region, you must obey economic sanctions for your own business and for your supply chain. 

With the likelihood of cyber warfare rising, all businesses should also check their cyber strategy and update software. 

FSB has written to the UK Foreign Secretary to support the necessary business restrictions, and to offer assistance and advice as and when schemes are created to support offers of help from the small business community (such as employment or volunteering opportunities to those fleeing the region.)   
 
Further information will be added to the page below as more information becomes available. 

Latest official information on the Ukraine crisis  

For the latest updates and response, please visit the UK Government’s website. 

Russia sanctions, international trade and supply chains 

If you have a question about trading with Ukraine, Russia or Belarus, you should contact the UK Government’s Export Support Service via their online service or by calling 0300 303 8955. 

• View a list of the UK sanctions on Russia.
• The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published guidance on what has changed and what you need to do.   
• FSB members with questions about trade can contact our 24/7 legal helpline for support.
• If you’re an FSB member with questions about business insurance and the force majeure clause, you can contact FSB Insurance Service for advice.

Now is the moment to update your cyber security 

The National Cyber Security Centre is recommending businesses to follow their advice about actions to take when the cyber threat is heightened.  

Watch FSB’s cyber security webinar for advice on how you can protect your business against online threats.  

Supporting your staff 

Hannah Thomas from FSB Employment Protection and Christine Husbands from FSB Care share practical advice for small business owners with employees affected by the conflict in Ukraine. 

Donating to help 

Many of our small business and self-employed community are already supporting local drives to collect items for donation as humanitarian aid.  Others have made financial donations. 

If you would like to donate, you may want to consider the official Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.