HITCHIN: Further government funding is available in the form of grants too help businesses affected by Covid.

Further government funding is available to help local businesses recover and move forward following the pandemic.

Schemes are being made available again in recognition that the rise of the Omicron variant means some businesses are still struggling.

Councillor Ian Albert, Executive Member for Finance and IT, explained: "The joint administration of North Herts Council knows our businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector like our local pubs and restaurants, as well as those in leisure, travel and personal care, and in business support like taxi drivers, are still struggling with the continuing effects of the pandemic.

"We encourage businesses to read this information carefully and get in touch to apply and find out how these grants can help them."

Omicron hospitality and leisure grants

The Omicron hospitality and leisure grant supports businesses that offer in-person services within a fixed business rate-paying premise.

It is a one-off payment of either £2,667, £4,000 or £6,000 (dependant on rateable value) to support hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses – gyms and leisure centres are excluded from this scheme.

Additional restrictions grants (ARG)

This is a follow on to the successful ARG schemes which were launched last year to aid the recovery of businesses during and after national lockdowns.

Similar to previous ARG schemes, businesses can apply for discretionary grants now until 28 February via the NHC website (www.north-herts.gov.uk/businessgrants)

The council will then assess the applications and provide grants by the end of March.

This scheme will assist business rate-payers that don't qualify for the Omicron hospitality and leisure grants above, that primarily provide an in-person business such as hairdressers, beauty salons and nail bars, gyms and leisure centres.

Applications can also come from business sectors for both business rate-payers and non-business rate-payers, including:

coach tour operators

independent travel agents

taxi drivers

those that support the hospitality sector

home-workers

others that provide an in-person service

mobile hairdressers

driving instructors

personal trainers

sports injury therapists

Or anyone else who can provide evidence that there has been an impact on business.

Applications for this scheme are open and close on 28 February – no applications can be accepted after this date with the council urging eligible businesses to apply now at www.north-herts.gov.uk/businessgrants

Councillor Sam Collins, Executive Member for Enterprise, Arts and Transport added: "The joint administration has designed a series of grant funds to help businesses immediately through the pandemic, as well as looking forward to the future.

"We think this progressive programme of grants will strengthen local businesses and protect and create jobs in our towns and villages across North Herts."

The council are hoping to launch another two schemes for rate-paying businesses providing wider business support – keep an eye on the NHC website for further information.