Grants of up to £25,000 are now available from Tendring District Council to some manufacturers and wholesalers which have been affected by the pandemic.

The discretionary grants – part of the Council’s ‘Back to Business’ Initiative – are aimed at businesses that supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and which have not previously applied for support. The scheme will continue to remain open to businesses which occupy flexible or shared spaces, charities, market traders and B&B’s which have not applied before .

Once the closing date of 19 August has passed, all applications will be assessed and those who have been successful should see payments made into their bank accounts as soon as possible after this date. Applications can be made via www.tendringdc.gov.uk/discretionary_business_grant

Mary Newton, the council’s cabinet member for business and economic growth, encouraged all eligible businesses to apply. “It is hoped that grant funding reaches as many business as possible to support them through these difficult times and help the economy recover, which in turn will protect  the jobs and livelihoods of so many within the district,” she said.

The council says that a number of grants available under previous Government Grant schemes also remain unclaimed. Businesses receiving small business rate relief or those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and occupying a business property with a rateable value of less than £51k may qualify for a grant of £10k or £25k. Further details and an application form can be found on the council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/discretionary_business_grant