A new government grant scheme to support businesses closed during lockdown is now open for applications.

The ‘Restart Grant’ provides businesses in a number of sectors including non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure and personal care with a one off payment to support local businesses and help them reopen safely.

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Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council, said: “Businesses have endured a highly challenging twelve months which has included significant periods of lockdown. It is fantastic to see so many businesses are now able to reopen their doors to the public.

“The council has been committed to supporting businesses throughout the pandemic and this new Restart Grant will support them to reopen safely. I encourage eligible businesses to apply if they have not already been contacted by the council

“The costs associated with reopening safely cannot be underestimated and we are grateful to all businesses that have worked with us to reopen to the public in line with coronavirus restrictions.”

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Grants are allocated based on the business rates a business or organisation pays, determined by the rateable value of a property.

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure, personal care, and gym sectors could be eligible to between £8,000 and £18,000 in grant funding. Meanwhile non-essential retail can access funding between £2,667 and £6,000.

All eligible businesses that have previously applied for grant funding from Preston City Council have been contacted with instructions on how to apply for the Restart Grant.

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Any business owner who feels they are eligible for support but have not been contacted should visit the city council website.

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