Call for more businesses to register for Covid-19 support grants

Nearly 2,000 grants totalling more than £26m for businesses that have been disrupted by Covid-19 have already been processed in Bath and North East Somerset but companies are being reminded that registrations are still open.

Businesses which need financial help from the Government due to coronavirus and haven’t registered already are urged to do so straight away by using an online form set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Invest in Bath team.

Figures today (29 April) show that 1,950 grants for coronavirus small business and retail grants have been paid but many businesses have yet to apply. These are grants, not loans and don't have to be paid back. Businesses can check eligibility and register online.

The council’s Invest in Bath business support service has a dedicated team to give targeted help to companies during the pandemic.

Richard Samuel, deputy leader, said: “We are delighted to be well on the way to supporting the majority of businesses in the Bath and North East Somerset area, but we know there are more businesses out there that haven’t got in touch with us yet. We want to make sure as many companies as possible receive financial assistance from the package of support provided by Government. It is vital that you complete the online form as soon as you can.”

The online form to register for a business grant can be found at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/register-business-grant-due-covid-19

Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate relief may be eligible for a £10,000 cash grant. Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value above £15,000 and below £51,000 may be eligible for a £25,000 cash grant.

Rob Hughes from the Crown Inn, West Harptree, said: “I wish to take the time to thank all of the team at Bath & North East Somerset Council and those in the Invest in Bath team for their professional, caring and diligent manner in which they have dealt with the handling of claims under these difficult times. he way in which I have been helped and the responses have been second to none, once again I thank you all, the pressures the team have been under must have been vast, but you have coped admirably. Thanks.”

To contact the Invest in Bath team, email [email protected] 

The full range of financial support for businesses announced by Government can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Follow the team on Twitter for the latest updates https://twitter.com/InvestinBath

For updates on all council services go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus