Businesses that have been adversely affected by national lockdown restrictions, but which are not required to close, can now apply for financial support.

One-off business grants of up to £3,000 will be available through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). This scheme complements the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) which was launched last week for those businesses that have been required to close and are registered for business rates.   

The ARG will support businesses supplying or reliant on the leisure, hospitality, non-essential retail and events sector, including those that are directly linked to these sectors. 

The scheme therefore covers many different businesses from food wholesales/suppliers and food and drink processors, to cleaning contractors and door security.

There will be many other types of businesses severely impacted by lockdown restrictions and Hull City Council is urging them all to make an application.

Applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant can be made on the Hull City Council website –

www.hull.gov.uk/business/business-grants-and-funding/additional-restrictions-grant

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic investment, said: “The Additional Restrictions Grant gives us the opportunity to support businesses that have not been forced to close as a result of lockdown, but have been severely affected.

“The current government restrictions are vitally important as we aim to control the virus and support our NHS, but they come at a cost for so many businesses. I urge any business that feels that they may be eligible for one of these grants to apply.”

For enquiries about the above schemes and other help and support, the council’s business support team can be contacted via email at business.support@hullcc.gov.uk

Find advice and guidance on whether a business needs to close, or for advice around coronavirus compliance, at www.gov.uk

For further advice and guidance on whether a business needs to close, any other restrictions on business trading during this time and how to ensure a business is COVID-19 secure, Hull City Council’s Public Protection team can be contacted on FoodandHealth&Safety@hullcc.gov.uk