Local authorities across the Heart of the South West have been swift off the mark in setting up their new systems and process the new Small Business Grants of up to £10,000 that were introduced by Treasury last month.
Following news nationally that in some parts of the country the grants have been slow to get out, in the Heart of the South West there’s been praise from the local Federations of Small Businesses (FSBs) and Chambers of Commerce for the speed with which they’re being delivered.
All 14 District and Unitary Authorities across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay are up and running with their grants scheme; with over 90% of cases already processed in some authorities.
In a joint statement from the Devon and Somerset areas of the FSB, Sue Wilkinson and Ruth Lambert said:
“We would like to thank the Local Authorities in the Heart of the South West for the speedy processing of these grants, which will be a lifeline to many small businesses who are struggling to survive the lockdown. We’ve been very impressed with how quickly the grants are getting out to those who need them.â€
Stuart Elford, Devon Chamber of Commerce said:
“On behalf of the Chambers in the Heart of the South West, I would like to applaud the rapid response of the Local Authorities in this area. Their support will save thousands of businesses, jobs and livelihoods and give our area the best chance of economic recovery after the pandemic.â€
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP said:
“The local authorities in this area are working really hard to help businesses at this very difficult time. The Heart of the South West has a high percentage of small businesses, who are essential to key sectors such as tourism and food production.
“Our Growth Hub is on hand to provide advice on interpreting the range of support packages introduced by the Government. It’s a free, fully-funded service which can add value to the national advice and point to additional resources to help local businesses of all sizes make it through this unprecedented economic climate.â€
Small businesses who have not yet received a notification are urged to get in touch with their local authority now, as in some cases councils have had difficulty contacting certain businesses, who may not be picking up post from empty premises or who have not provided up to date electronic contact details.
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub, providing free impartial advice to any business in Devon, Plymouth Somerset and Torbay, can be contacted through the website at www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/ or by telephone: 03456 047 047.
