Lincolnshire coronavirus: Range of initiatives to help North Kesteven businesses and Government grants set to help 2,200 businesses in South Kesteven

New Government funding designed to help businesses across the country during the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak has launched today (Friday) in South Kesteven.
InvestSK EMN-200327-153314001InvestSK EMN-200327-153314001
InvestSK EMN-200327-153314001

The funding, which was announced by the Chancellor last week, will see two new schemes pay cash grants to eligible businesses in the district of either £10,000 or £25,000.

The Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund are being administered by InvestSK, South Kesteven district’s economic growth and regeneration company, on behalf of South Kesteven District Council.

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Businesses eligible to receive the funding will be contacted by InvestSK before April 1.

North Kesteven District Council. EMN-200327-170956001North Kesteven District Council. EMN-200327-170956001
North Kesteven District Council. EMN-200327-170956001

They don’t need to make an application, but they do need to provide some information – including bank details – so the grant can be paid directly into their account.

Coun Kelham Cooke, chairman of InvestSK and Leader of South Kesteven District Council said: “Our records show that around 2,200 businesses in South Kesteven are eligible for one of these new cash grant payments.

“The funding provides crucial and very welcome support for many local businesses during this difficult and uncertain time so we’re working hard to process the data and make payments as quickly as possible.

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“Businesses that are eligible for funding will be contacted directly by InvestSK and are encouraged to complete the online Declaration Form immediately. We will receive the funding from Government on April 1 so, as soon as we have the information we need from the businesses, we can start to make their payments.”

As well as administering this new funding programme, InvestSK also provides a central point of contact for local businesses concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their operations.

Their dedicated business support team has fielded more than a hundred enquiries in recent weeks and has launched a new web page containing the latest Government information, advice and funding for businesses.

More details about the new cash grants and a link to the Declaration Form for eligible businesses to complete can be found at: www.investsk.co.uk/businessgrants

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A range of initiatives, advice and support mechanisms are being developed and delivered to help businesses across North Kesteven respond to the COVID-19 outbreak too.

As the Government announces ever more measures, grants and relief schemes, Council officers are making sense of them and shaping services and support to help traders to navigate their changing circumstances.

Latest is rent relief for tenants of the council’s portfolio of 111 commercial units, workshops and work spaces spread across the district.

They have all been written to with the offer of half-price rent throughout April, May and June and its managing agent is reviewing its service charges for this period too.

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Coun Richard Wright, Leader of the District Council, said: “In light of the current Coronavirus pandemic and the issues businesses are undoubtedly facing - including many forced to temporarily close down as part of the national drive to limit contact and stem the spread of the virus - the district council is doing all it can to support business during these disconcerting and unsettling times.

“We hope that this rent relief goes some way in supporting the operation of our tenants’ businesses and puts them in a stronger position to bounce back after this period has passed.

“North Kesteven District Council is committed to providing businesses with the most relevant and important information from the Government and other business advice agencies.

“Additionally, across our economic development and environmental health teams there is some really good, responsive and business-focused support to help traders to identify resources, mechanisms and new ways of operating which will hopefully build their resilience whilst ensuring they can contribute positively and confidently to this important national effort.”

Such measures include:

○ Responding to businesses wanting guidance.

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○ Identifying businesses eligible for financial support on their business rates.

○ Detailing guidance online relating to deferring VAT and Income Tax payments, accessing the Job Retention Scheme and Business Rates relief.

○ Supporting the self-employed in identifying available help.

○ Directly advising pubs, cafes, restaurants etc unable to trade normally how they can continue to provide a public service, safely, as a takeaway.

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○ Ensuring compliance with licencing and other regulations in order to protect themselves and the public.

○ Signposting to government guidance and industry expertise.

Latest information and guidance can be found at www.businessnk.co.uk/covid-19-support/

Business adviser Phil Means and the wider BusinessNK team can be contacted at www.businessnk.co.uk/our-projects/our-team/

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Also www.businesslincolnshire.com/ for additional guidance and support.

And www.Businesssupport.gov.uk for the latest Government support

Updates will also be available at www.businessnk.co.uk and on Twitter @BusinessNK

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