£30m to support businesses in North Tyneside during coronavirus crisis

Press release: An abstract view of the Council crest

Measures to support thousands of businesses in North Tyneside have been put in place.

North Tyneside Council has launched an online application process for local businesses to apply for funding to support them during the coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic.

The Government has announced a number of grant schemes for local authorities to administer.

North Tyneside Council is due to receive more than £30million to distribute among up to 3,000 businesses in the borough.

Businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief can now access a grant of £10,000.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors can access support through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF) which provides:

  • £10,000 for those businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000, or
  • £25,000 for those businesses with a rateable value of over £15,000 and less than £51,000.

Applications can be made here.

The council is also working closely with the North Tyneside Business Forum to support local businesses.

This includes keeping every business in the borough up-to-date with current Government guidance and support available.

A new dedicated webpage with key information, guidance and frequently asked questions has been created.

The North Tyneside Business Factory has also launched a Business Helpline staffed by an experienced business adviser.

The helpline is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on (0191) 516 6699. Messages will be taken out of hours and a return call made the next morning.

Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Norma Redfearn CBE said: “I am delighted that we are able to support local businesses at a time when they need it the most.

“The coronavirus pandemic is making life very difficult for many of our fantastic businesses so any help we can provide is most welcome.

“We’re in this together and we have a great team working hard to protect business owners in the borough and make sure that they are able to get back on their feet as soon as we begin to return to normality.”

Karen Goldfinch, Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum, said: “We’ve had businesses large and small seeking advice from ourselves on matters relating to everything from how to apply for a small business grant to how to administer the furloughed workers schemes.

“With our links to the Government through our links with North Tyneside Council, we are able to coordinate information and make sure the right information goes to the right people at the right time.

“Our business community needs us all right now. We're doing what we can to help support, whether it be giving direct advice and guidance, but also a place where we can all come together and share our concerns. It really is a supportive community both from within and from our clients and customers.”

The Forum is free to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside. Members also benefit from member blogs, a radio show hosted on Radio Northumberland, a magazine and access to a wealth of expertise from management group members.

Email business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk , visit www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk or call (0191) 643 6000 to find out more.