Wiltshire Council give details of financial grant support for small businesses

“We recognise that businesses throughout Wiltshire will be concerned about the impact that COVID-19 will have on their livelihood, and we want to do all we can to protect Wiltshire businesses and safeguard jobs.”  stated Cllr Phillip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council in an announcement circulated late yesterday (Thursday 18 March).

He further added:  “The government has announced a range of support for public services, individuals and businesses whose finances are affected by COVID-19, including a one-off grant of £10,000 to businesses currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief, to help meet ongoing costs.”

This will cover many business from the Marlborough area and should provide some degree of a safety net against a background of continuing costs and mininal (if any) revenue.

This initiative is being conducted by Wiltshire Council in partnership with the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and follows the announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this week.

It wasn’t made clear exactly how business could secure these critical grants, or how quickly.  The Wiltshire Council statement included the following direction:

“This is a fast moving situation and information will be looked at and communicated as it becomes available. We are still awaiting further details on how this grant and other benefits will be rolled out. Further details will be posted on www.wiltshire.gov.uk and the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub website as soon as they are made available.

“Should any business need help before details are released, I would urge to them to contact either the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, Wessex Chambers of Commerce or the Federation of Small Businesses.

“Help and advice is available, and we will be releasing more details on how businesses can apply for grants as soon as we have them.”

For more information on the grants and support available, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses

To find out more including advice, news and announcements, please see the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub support page (registration required):  https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk/topics/Coronavirus_COVID19