Flying star for business grant scheme

Thirty-six businesses in County Durham are the first recipients of a recovery grant to help them implement coronavirus recovery plans.

The £5m Durham Business Recovery Grant scheme is funded by Durham County Council and was launched on January 14, aimed at businesses affected by the Covid-19 crisis who are developing plans to meet the challenges the pandemic has caused – developing new products or entering new markets.

More than £364,000 has been awarded to 36 businesses of varying size from a range of sectors including: business services, construction, healthcare, infor mation and communication, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, engineering, and tourism.

Two thirds of the applications approved are to businesses in the tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail sectors which have been severely impacted by the pandemic. The applications will help to safeguard up to 459 jobs.

The grant scheme is overseen by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are really pleased to see the range of businesses coming forward with clear plans for how the recovery grant can help them get their business back on track for the future and safeguard jobs and livelihoods."

For further information and to check eligibility criteria, visit www.businessdurham.co.uk/dbrg.