Support available as businesses reopen
WEST Berkshire Council has outlined what help is available to businesses as they begin to resume trading next week.
A ‘comprehensive support package’ is in place which includes a £138,000 Welcome Back Fund for events and initiatives to ensure the successful reopening of high streets; access to twice weekly rapid Covid testing for small business employees; the offer of site visits from Public Protection Partnership staff for advice on Covid-secure trading and regular sector-based advice webinars for each phase of the unlocking.
Companies will also be able to take advantage of a free one-year extension to pavement licences so that hospitality businesses can make use of al fresco dining areas.
Executive member for economic development Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield) said: “Without question, the pandemic has been tough for all of us, particularly so for our businesses.
“This is why we’re bringing in a comprehensive programme of targeted support and investment to get the district back on its feet.
“By getting grant funding out to businesses quickly, offering timely updates at engagement events and ensuring that businesses have the advice they need to trade safely, we are supporting them to get back up and running and to make the most of what I hope will be a successful summer trading period.
“In offering our small businesses, including our hospitality businesses, access to regular employee testing, we are also reassuring both workers and customers about the safe environment offered in West Berkshire so that they can shop and eat out with confidence.
“Alongside this, we’re working hard to secure the district’s long-term success. With the Local Enterprise Partnership and our other partners, we’re investing in the district’s future in order to build back better.
“This includes money being set aside for green infrastructure, additional resource into economic development and new initiatives to make better use of our high streets.
“I am confident that West Berkshire has the right mix of skills, businesses and connectivity to retain its position as an economically successful district and we stand ready to support this.”
Government funding through ‘Restart’ grants are now beginning to be distributed to eligible businesses and the district council will continue to implement further business rate relief.
West Berkshire Council will also be matching the Welcome Back Funding, to provide an additional £138,000 to specifically support independent businesses.
Individual businesses and organisations will be able to apply for funding, which will be available across Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford, Pangbourne and Theale, and the council said it will be releasing more information about how independent businesses can access this soon.
The council added that strong support for independent businesses was something highlighted by residents who took part in the survey to develop a Newbury town centre masterplan.
The council will also be launching its Economic Recovery Strategy at its executive meeting in June, which will include further investment in local employment and infrastructure, as announced in its 2021/22 budget earlier this month.
This is in addition to almost £40m of grants already issued to local businesses over the lockdown period; business rate relief for many businesses in the most affected industries; and ongoing advice services through the Public Protection Partnership.
Without question, the pandemic has been tough for all of us, particularly so for our businesses