Minister hails our £3m advert fund
Mail launches bid to help struggling small firms
tHe Daily Mail’s pledge to give away £3million of free advertising to struggling firms has been hailed by the Government’s small business minister.
the Mail and its sister newspapers are offering 1,000 small companies advertising space worth £3,000 in Britain’s favourite and most widely read newspapers.
it comes as the virus lockdown threatens to kill off thousands of the country’s businesses, with many now surviving on emergency government loans and millions of employees left fearing for their jobs.
Small business minister Paul Scully last night welcomed the move by the Daily Mail and General trust (DMGt), which this week launched the scheme to give small businesses a helping hand in the crisis.
He said: ‘Small business owners across the country are facing challenges on a scale not seen before in most of our lifetimes, which is why the Government has put together a farreaching package of financial support.
‘We all have a crucial role to play in helping businesses through this difficult time to get the economy back on its feet, which is why it’s brilliant to see initiatives like this from the Mail Group that will make a real difference.’
the initiative, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), comes hot on the heels of the creation of the Mail Force – a new charity created by the Daily Mail and its partners – which has so far raised more than £6.5million to fly in vital protective equipment for nHS and care workers.
Mike cherry, national chairman of the FSB, said: ‘this is a fantastic scheme and we’re delighted to see the Mail getting behind the UK’s 5.8million small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.’
He added: ‘it’s going to be a challenge for businesses to attract new customers when the lockdown is eased and they have a tough road ahead of them. they will need to think outside the box when it comes to marketing their business and products slightly differently, but many will struggle to find the funds to do this. that’s why we’re grateful the Mail is doing its bit to offer support during these challenging, unprecedented times.’ the scheme is open to businesses that have been established for more than six months, employ fewer than 150 employees, and have a turnover of less than £6million a year.
it comes after research published in the Mail on Sunday yesterday revealed one in three small businesses fear sales will be slashed by at least 50 per cent even after the lockdown is lifted.
Applications can be made via the FSB from Wednesday May 13. Applicants will have to explain how the fund would help their business. Winners will be awarded £3,000 of advertising credit to use in the newspaper group print and online titles – including the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, MailOnline, The i Newspaper and Metro.
Our staff will also even help you design an advert if you do not have one. The first advertisements will start to appear from Wednesday, May 20. To apply, visit www.grants.fsb.org.uk
‘Makes a real difference’