Businesses hail the help received - The Worcester Observer

Businesses hail the help received

Worcester Editorial 9th Apr, 2020   0

CITY businesses have been given a vital helping hand to tackle the Coronavirus crisis after council chiefs began work on more than £3.5m worth of grant applications from local businesses.

A total of 267 grants are being paid to a wide range of local businesses including hairdressers, estate agents, restaurants, mechanics, printers and recruitment agencies.

Grants of £10,000 are available to small businesses which already qualify for small business rate relief or rural rate relief. Grants of £25,000 are on offer to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,001 and £51,000.

Anja Potze Fine Jewellery Ltd is one of the first Worcester businesses to receive the grant payment.




“I think it’s brilliant, the way the government has stepped in so quickly to help businesses,” said owner Anja Potze.

“Many Worcester firms were already suffering from reduced footfall following the floods, so this support is welcome and really vital.”


Wright Staff Recruitment Ltd confirmed the company received the grant payment.

Managing Director Ross Wright said: “A heartfelt thank you to Worcester Council (and the Government) for processing our grant request in record time. This cash injection really does help us when we need it most.”

Stephen Connelly, owner of the Bears Great Escapes ice cream business, said: “The grant will keep us going for a period of tim, and allow us to pay incoming bills. Without the grant, we would have had nothing.”

Shane Flynn, Worcester City Council’s Director of Resources, said: “We are working hard to process all the grant payments as quickly as possible.

“There is no need to apply for a grant. Eligible businesses will receive a payment if they meet the criteria and we have their payment details.

“I’d urge all local businesses who are registered for business rates in Worcester and think they may be eligible to register their details on our website so we can be sure that the payments will reach them.

“Funding is available to support you through this extremely challenging period.”

Many Worcester businesses will also be exempt from Business Rates for a full 12 months. These businesses will all be contacted directly about the Business Rates relief scheme. Any that have already received bills will be issued with new ones and any payments already made for 2020/21 will be refunded.

Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/coronavirus for more.

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