West Suffolk Council pays out almost £19.5million in business grants

A council has paid out almost £19.5million in grants to help businesses overcome the coronavirus crisis.

West Suffolk Council has issued grants to around 1657 businesses after redeployed staff worked to contact business owners.

Pest Solution in Bury St Edmunds is one of the businesses which has received a grant.#

Elodie Limer, the company's director, said: “We were amazed at how simple, quick and easy getting the small business grant was. The grant will make such a difference to us and ensure that we can continue serving the local community going forward.”

Buisness owners who think they are eligible for either a small business grant or retail, leisure and hospitality grant can check their eligibility on the council's website and complete an e-form at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/businessgrants

Cllr John Griffiths, council leader, said: “We know how anxious businesses are to get this support as quickly as possible and have made getting this grant to them, alongside £34m of rate relief support, a priority.

"We have had much appreciated feedback from many firms receiving the grant recognising the tremendous efforts that our West Suffolk Council staff have made to contact businesses and make payment as swiftly, and as simple, as they possible can.”

The council has set up a dedicated Covid-19 support page for businesses which it is regularly updating, directing businesses to the various support that is available.

To view the page, visit www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/c19business