Grants paid out to small businesses and self-catering firms to help weather coronavirus crisis totals £63m in Highlands
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Grants totalling more than £63 million have been paid to small businesses and self-catering firms in the Highlands to help them stay in business during the coronavirus crisis.
Highland Council revealed that the Scottish Government grant scheme has now paid out to 5892 businesses in the region.
"As we move into phase two, the council is committed to helping local businesses face the very real challenges of gradually starting up again."
As Scotland moves into phase two of easing lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks – including shops starting to reopen, work resuming in certain industries and the relaxing of some rules about meeting other people – the council is also preparing to issue advice to businesses.
Next week, it will launch a guide providing advice and information surrounding the requirements and regulations which will help businesses with their plans to welcome back customers safely.
Councillor Trish Robertson, chairwoman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said the system to process grants was working well.
"Our staff that are processing applications are still working very hard and thanks to their efforts and to applicants for providing the correct information when they apply, the percentage of grants processed is currently at 99 per cent," she said.
"The system is working well. The team can process new applications and approve payment within days of a business submitting a complete online application form as long as they provide all the requested information.
"On May 26, the figure was £56 million so it shows the increased level of support that is being currently provided in less than a month.
"As we move into phase two, the council is committed to helping local businesses face the very real challenges of gradually starting up again."
