New £6m funding available for businesses in supply chains affected by Covid-19

Previous funding has been focused on businesses directly impacted by the restrictions - but this latest round of grant support is targeted towards businesses that rely largely on the hospitality, accommodation, leisure and entertainment sectors for business-to-business trade, and which have therefore suffered a significant loss income due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Payments under the Supply Chain Support Scheme will be based on the rateable value of the business, or rental value for those businesses not registered for business rates. The funding available for these one-off grants is strictly limited, and businesses must submit their application – via their local authority – by Thursday, December 17. 

Cllr Saghir Alam, cabinet member for corporate services and finance at Rotherham Council, said: "We want Rotherham businesses to get the maximum benefit from the funding that has come down from central government to our region. However, the funds and time available for these discretionary grants applications are strictly limited.

“It’s vital that businesses submit their applications urgently – and with as much detail and evidence as possible – so that the Council can get as much money as possible to these Rotherham businesses who so urgently need this help.”

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, added: "Our hearts go out to the businesses and employees who have been left in such uncertainty by the on-going restrictions, which have had such a massive impact on their livelihoods.

"Although the financial support is not as significant as we’d hoped, it could be the difference between survival and closure for some businesses.

“I would urge them to check their eligibility and apply as soon as possible. Let’s keep this money in Rotherham, supporting Rotherham companies and Rotherham jobs.”

The Supply Chain Support Scheme follows on from schemes for businesses in Rotherham that were directly affected by the national lockdown and Tier 2 and 3 restrictions, which have been rolled out in previous weeks.

Businesses will need to supply detailed information and evidence to show how they have been affected.

Visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/covid-business-grants for further details and to check if your business is eligible.