Businesses benefit from crisis support
Government fund helps over 2300 businesses
STEPHEN BARK
More than 2300 South Lanarkshire businesses have benefited from over £26.5m in crisis support funding.
Administered by local authorities, the Scottish Government’s business support scheme provides grants of £10,000 or £25,000 to help eligible businesses cope with the impact of coronavirus.
Support received by businesses in South Lanarkshire has been one of the highest in Scotland.
As of April 28, 2357 businesses had received a support grant through South Lanarkshire Council, with a total of £26,675,000 issued.
Paul Manning, executive director of finance and corporate resources, said: “These support grants are a lifeline for many of our local businesses.
“It is very important for the future of the economy in South Lanarkshire, and indeed Scotland, that these businesses survive.
“South Lanarkshire Council therefore moved quickly to implement the national scheme locally, putting in place an easy-to-use application form and engaging with businesses to help their applications and assess their eligibility.
“I am extremely grateful to all the council staff who have been involved in this, many of whom have been working seven days a week to speed up processing.
“Our reward is knowing that we are helping ensure the survival of hundreds of businesses that will be vital to our area’s future when we emerge from the current crisis.”
The scheme has recently been extended to allow for separate applications to be made from the same businesses for more than one business properties.
Grants will be paid to eligible applicants equal to 75 per cent of the grants paid under phase one.
Further information on the coronavirus support schemes available – including the recently announced grants for newly-established businesses of self-employed people who are not covered by other support – can be found online.
For more, head to www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk