Brentwood Borough Council has distributed more than £5.28m in 1,400 COVID business support grants since 19 November and continues to support businesses in the borough with Covid-19 funding. Together with the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Brentwood Business Partnership, the Council plans to identify businesses who may be eligible for an Additional Restrictions Grant so that the relevant businesses can be further encouraged to apply.

Brentwood Borough Council Leader, Cllr Chris Hossack said; “Since the first lockdown we have distributed £23m in grants and £12m in rates holidays to help our local businesses who have had to close during the Covid-19 restrictions, Tiers and lockdowns. There is help for those who have adapted their businesses between the lockdowns, those who work for themselves, retail and leisure. Surprisingly there are still some firms who are entitled to funding but have not taken up the opportunity and I would urge them to contact our Economic Development Team to claim their grants.”

The Economic Development and Licensing teams are working together to promote the Essex Business Adaptation Grants to the hospitality, leisure, retail and personal care sectors to their databases. Grants of up to £1,500 are available for businesses who need laptops, iPads, delivery vehicles, websites or other items to trade in a COVID secure way. Details from www.brentwood.gov.uk/businesssupport or email business@brentwood.gov.uk

The team send out around three business newsletters a week to the business community to keep them up to date on the grants and support available. In addition, they provide significant 1-2-1 support for businesses who contact asking for further funding opportunities.