As local businesses continue to suffer from coronavirus restrictions, Sheffield City Region’s Mayoral Combined Authority is working with Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils to distribute millions of pounds of support through the Additional Restrictions Grant, and more businesses are now eligible.
The Government has provided grants for those businesses with a rateable value who have been forced to close, but this has left many businesses missing out on essential financial support.
Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis, said: “This is such a critical time for our business community in South Yorkshire that we are increasing the money available to those businesses impacted by restrictions.
“The impact of the pandemic has meant that many businesses are on the brink of collapse. We will continue to fight to protect the livelihoods of people in South Yorkshire and are working round the clock with our local councils to make sure every pound of support gets to those who need it.
“We’ve designed our support to help as many businesses as possible who have fallen through the cracks of Government schemes. It’s vital that if your business is suffering due to COVID restrictions that you get in touch with your local council to check your eligibility for support.”
Those who have been forced to close through lockdown restrictions, and who do not pay business rates, are eligible for thousands of pounds through the Additional Restrictions Grant if they pay rent or other fixed property costs. Some of these grants have now been increased as the national lockdown remains in place, and those previously in receipt of a grant will automatically receive a top-up payment. Eligible businesses may include but are not limited to:
- outlets in a food hall,
- shared occupancy in a premise where the landlord is the rate payer,
- the self-employed who rent space to work,
- someone renting a chair in a salon,
- those running a pop-up stall in a shopping centre or leisure centre, and
Business who rely on footfall, dealing with the public in person, or are based in a very now quiet town centre, but who have remained open during covid restrictions and are suffering a significant loss of trade are also able to apply for financial support. Driving instructors are also eligible for a one-off payment.
Businesses who are reliant on sectors that have been forced to close for their trade, such as those in the wedding, events, food and drink, beauty, health and accommodation industries, will also see their grant payments increase, with new applicants welcomed and some of those previously in receipt of funds automatically receiving a top-up payment through the Supply Chain Support Scheme. This includes a wide range of businesses, such as:
- travel agents,
- wedding caterers,
- event security,
- companies servicing gym equipment, and
- home-based businesses
Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, James Muir, said: “Any business in South Yorkshire forced to close or experiencing a significant loss of trade should get in touch with their local council. We’ve increased the size of grant available and expanded eligibility to support even more businesses through the incredibly tough conditions caused by COVID.
“Our business community will be integral to our recovery and renewal from coronavirus, so we will continue to help as many people as we possibly can through financial support and the advice and guidance provided through the Business Growth Hub. Even if a business is unsure of the support available to them, we’re urging them to get in touch to check if they are eligible for grant support.”
The Additional Restrictions Grant is open for applications now via Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Councils. Businesses previously in receipt of a payment through the Additional Restrictions Grant or Supply Chain Support Scheme will automatically receive a top-up payment and do not need to reapply. Any business unsure of the support available to them can contact the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub for advice via www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk.
