West Berkshire Council distributes more than £6m in coronavirus business grants

MORE than £6m in coronavirus restart grants has been distributed to West Berkshire businesses.

The one-off Government grants, up to the value of £18,000, are being awarded to non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, personal care and leisure businesses forced to close during Covid-19 restrictions.

West Berkshire Council is distributing the grants and almost £6.5m has been processed since the scheme was announced on March 19.

Owners of The Globe, in Newbury, Katie and Colin Martin, said: “The Restart Grant is an absolute game changer for a small business like ours. This support will go a long way to cover the increased costs of running a Covid-secure business. After only trading for nine days in the last 12 months, we, the team and pub dog Dave have been buzzing to reopen and see our wonderful customers and four-legged friends again.”

To make it simpler for businesses, the council has automatically processed payments to businesses who had previously received a grant.

The council's executive member for finance and economic development, Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield), said: “I’m delighted that we will be distributing these funds in the next few days. We know how important this funding is to businesses across West Berkshire, so our team has pulled out all the stops to ensure that more than 800 businesses will receive substantial funds to support them through the coming weeks and months.

"We are looking forward to a wide range of business opening up again in the coming days for the benefit and enjoyment of our residents and, also, so that residents can continue to support West Berkshire’s local economy.”

Any business that has not received a grant from the council before, and believes they are eligible to receive one, can apply.

Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at https://info.westberks.gov.uk/restart-grant