Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has offered more than 240 eligible hospitality and selected personal care businesses grants of up to £3,000 to help combat those affected by the recent dip in consumer confidence in light of the COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
RBC is aware that many local businesses, including those in customer-facing sectors such as cafes, restaurants, bars and beauty salons, have suffered with bookings being cancelled or postponed in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.
Business owners have been alerted to the new grants that saw payments arriving in their bank accounts from Monday 20th December. These one-off grants are in addition to the £1bn worth of support to the hospitality and leisure sectors announced by Rishi Sunak on Tuesday 21st December, and to any previous central government funding.
Deputy Leader Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “We’re acutely aware how consumer confidence has dipped in light of the new variant and therefore we’re placing funding into eligible business accounts to counter an element of this impact.
“It’s aimed at those in the hospitality and some service industries that see customers sit down for longer periods when accessing their services. Everyone will be well aware of the fact that the hospitality industry has suffered in what should have been a peak period of trading, as so many Christmas parties were cancelled.
“Furthermore, businesses such as beauty salons and nail bars that require a longer time in indoor premises are another sector that currently needs that extra support.
“Whilst our resources are limited, we remain committed to supporting local businesses and the community and we appreciate it is a tremendously difficult time for everyone as a result of Omicron.”
For all other COVID-related business support, business owners should contact the Council’s Economic Growth team by emailing econdev@rushcliffe.gov.uk.