Rushcliffe Borough Council is now contacting over 240 eligible hospitality and selected personal care businesses with grants of up to £3,000 to help combat those affected by the recent dip in consumer confidence in light of the new COVID variant Omicron.
The authority is aware of how some in the local economy have suffered in the last 10 days with bookings being cancelled or postponed including those in customer facing sectors such as cafes, restaurants and bars and beauty salons.
Now business owners will be alerted to the new grants that will see amounts arrive in business accounts from Monday (December 20) as a one-off payment in addition to previous central government funding.
The news builds on the authority having distributed over £40m of previous central government grants or support since March 2020 to over 1,500 eligible businesses.
Deputy Leader Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “We’re acutely aware how consumer confidence has dipped in recent days in light of the new variant and understandable central government advice and therefore we’re placing funding into eligible business accounts to counter an element of this impact.
“It’s aimed at those in the hospitality and some service industries that see customers sit down for longer periods when accessing their services. Everyone will be well aware of the fact that the hospitality industry is suffering in what should be a peak period of trading, as Christmas parties are being cancelled.
“Furthermore premises such as beauty salons and nail bars that require a longer time in indoor premises is a sector that currently needs that extra support.
“Businesses will receive funding in line with the size of business premises they occupy and will be paid as soon as possible.
“Whilst our resources are limited we remain committed to supporting local businesses and the community in the festive season and we appreciate it is a tremendously difficult time for everyone as a result of Omicron.”
For all other COVID related business support, business owners should contact the Council’s Economic Growth team by emailing econdev@rushcliffe.gov.uk
