Several new grant schemes to support businesses are now open to applicants.
The schemes are available to apply for through a single, simplified form which aims to assess Cheshire East businesses for several government grants on offer.
There are three local restrictions support grants from government and one additional support grant being provided on a discretionary basis from Cheshire East Council, in response to the second lockdown announcement made on 31 October.
Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "These schemes are tailored for a wide range of businesses with diverse priorities, that have been heavily impacted by Covid-19. Hospitality and leisure facilities, impinged by local tier levels are eligible for the government's Local Restrictions Support Grants on offer, to help boost recovery.
"Business rates relief customers who were required to close on 5 November, including non-essential retail, grassroots sport and salon services are also encouraged to apply. In addition, the council has £7.6 million to allocate on a discretionary basis before March 2022. Local businesses are resilient, but they can only survive with our help by taking advantage and pursuing the funding options that are available."
Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: "Two rounds of national lockdown enforcements have delivered frustration and despair to our businesses and the local communities, who have supported them throughout the pandemic. Moving forward from the constraints of Covid-19 begins with helping our businesses, who are the key to rebuilding Cheshire East's economy."
Councillor Sarah Pochin, Cheshire East Council business champion, said: "The repercussions of Covid-19 have been catastrophic for local businesses. The council's economic support and business rates teams have worked exceedingly hard to determine a single, streamlined application process which is easy to navigate. This means that any business that submits an online application will be considered for all aspects of financial aid on offer."
Cheshire East Council is required to make payments in line with government guidance and all applications submitted, with adequate supporting information, will be considered in order of receipt.
Comments
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While many of our most successful shops including my parents - Pimlotts- Chadwicks, Charnleys , Kelletts , Sharpes, Marsdens Edith Dennetts and others simply Retired due to age. Apologies to anyone I have left out. How do I know? That was my era - I would like to see a regeneration of Grove Street as much as anyone. Among other young innovative people post war my family contributed to the former great success for over fifty years of Wilmslow.
At the end of the day I believe Market Forces will prevail . Laura Ashley I have Always believed been far to expensive in my opinion using constant so called sales as a draw. I now hear that owners of Symposium are opening a restuarant with an upstairs open air bar. No comment. Monsoon again a lovely shop but prices incredibly high. Gone. We do need help from the Council on the rates , rents would the landlords rather empty shops and tax breaks OR is it the agents who want to keep the rents high OR would personal negotiations be better. Yes also decent parking used properly not just people parking where and how they shouldn't to avoid parting with one pound may help.
Traders offering what people are wanting and we supporting them must be the answer. Look at Fizz Fashions a friendly welcoming shop, great displays reasonable prices and an asset to Wilmslow. The excellent shoe shops. The wonderful Boots with their personal services been there trading for nearly 100 years . Services like the shoe repairers excellent reasonable services. Steve the flower shop must come into it. I know people visit every week at least for his freshness and service Another flying the flag for Grove St. The Card Factory always busy when I go. Water stones ..I could go on ..Lets be positive .
I look forward to seeing these Local Authority incentives bearing fruit and enjoying supporting in conjunction with the coffee shops (I love meeting my friends there for a coffee) along with a return of the soothsayers.