City firms to share in extra £700k Covid aid

Covid-hit businesses are to receive a financial lifeline after Sunderland City Council announced a £700,000 extension to a support scheme.

The Restart Extension Grant has helped around 250 firms which have missed out on the Government’s Covid support grants.

Businesses to benefit are in sectors including accommodation and leisure, non-essential retailers and personal care providers. The grants are funded by the council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) allocation from central government.

In total, Almost £8million has been distributed to city businesses from the ARGs.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The Restart Extension Grant scheme not only helps us reach out to those operating in sectors that have been hardest hit by lockdown measures, but also those in their supply chains that didn’t meet the criteria for the National Restart Grant.”

One company to benefit from the Restart Extension Grant is Leechmerebased Belle Tents, a marquee hire business which supplies hospitality and events businesses across the region, including the Sunderland International Airshow.

Managing director Daryl Scaife said: “Luckily, we were able to qualify for ARG funding and I can’t thank the team enough for their support.

“While events are finally starting to return, functions such as weddings are still being pushed back and this support has been key to helping us cope.”