Next round of 'heaven sent' grants open for High Peak businesses

Small businesses with ongoing fixed property costs who have experienced a significant drop in income as a result of Covid-19 can apply to High Peak Borough Council for a Discretionary Business Grant.

This fund is aimed at businesses that fell outside the scope of the previous grants for small businesses and those in retail, hospitality and leisure.

The first application round closed in June and, so far, 165 businesses ranging from B&Bs and taxis to vending machine and engineering firms, a community interest company and a physiotherapy and sports injury clinic have all received grants.

Eligible businesses must have fewer that 50 employees and be able to demonstrate a significant drop in income due to coronavirus restriction measures alongside evidence of fixed property costs and their accounts.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “Covid-19 has had an unprecedented impact on businesses so we’re delighted to be able to open this grant funding scheme up to new applicants.

“There’s more information on our website and I would urge any business that thinks they might be eligible who hasn’t previously applied to do so so we can make sure the funding is used to ensure the maximum number of businesses across the High Peak benefit from it.”

The amount awarded to each successful applicant is at the discretion of the council but, as Mark Jones, a director at New Mills Youth and Community Project CIC said, it’s not just about the amount.

He said: “I just wanted to tell you that I am really happy with the grant – thank you to everyone behind the scenes working hard to process these applications for us.

“I appreciate this support regardless of the amount. It goes a long way to helping us through these difficult times and I am very grateful.”

Applications for the next round of grants can be made via www.highpeak.gov/Coronavirus-Business-Financial-Support.