Millions awarded to businesses to support them through COVID-19 pandemic

• £40+ million in business grants awarded by Council
• Councillor hails officers' rapid response to businesses in need
• Omicron Support Grants still open for applications until 15 February

West Lancashire Borough Council has awarded more than £40+ million in grants to support businesses struggling due to the challenging issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eighteen individual COVID business grant schemes have now been delivered since March 2020 to date, with two further Omicron Grant schemes still open for applications.

Councillor Adam Yates, portfolio holder for Transformation & Resources, said: “I’m really proud of the work of our officers throughout the pandemic, as they have ensured that local businesses received grants as quickly as possible, as well as providing considerable support and advice to many of those that were struggling.

“In particular, the most recent Economic Recovery Grant scheme saw Council officers helping businesses to review their operations and find ways of running their businesses more efficiently in the current economic conditions. I would therefore encourage businesses who fit the eligibility criteria, under the most recent Omicron Grant schemes, to contact the Council for support, confident in the knowledge that West Lancashire Borough Council is here to help".

Local businesses who received funding from the Economic Recovery Grant, have expressed their gratitude after receiving financial support:

"Thank you to all at business grants from Eclipse, you have helped us during these tough times and without your support we would not have made it through, you get little credit for your hard work, we appreciate all you have done for us, so from a small business thank you very much" Eclipse Health & Fitness, Hesketh Bank

"We here at Jollie's Barn just want to say a massive thank you to you and your team. This grant has meant we can provide an extra service to our customers and build our business after the awful last two years. We couldn't have done it without your help". Jollie's Barn, Mere Brow

Both the Mandatory & Discretionary Omicron Support grant schemes are still open for applications until 15 Feb 22, and aim to support businesses in the hospitality, leisure, accommodation, and other eligible sectors, who may have struggled due to the rise of the Omicron variant.

For more information, including the eligibility criteria of the current Omicron Support grants please visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/businessgrants

Please note that after 15 February 2022, the Omicron Hospitality Grants will be closed.