Northumberland County Council has paid out more than £46m to help almost 4,000 small businesses through the coronavirus pandemic, and is appealing for others to register as quickly as possible.

More than 4,000 businesses have now registered online with the council, with the first tranche of payments now being paid out, and further payments of up to £25,000 landing in their bank accounts in the next few days.

These payments will help support small businesses and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Coun. Peter Jackson, leader of the council, said: “The coronavirus crisis is having an impact on businesses right across Northumberland.

"The council is doing everything it can to support them, provide funding and protect our economy through such an unprecedented time.

“Our immediate priority is to protect as many businesses and jobs as possible, so that we are in a good position for a strong recovery when the time comes.

“We have established the Northumberland Business Hub – helping people to access available support, providing advice and guidance, and finding out what the key issues are for the business community in the county.

“This dedicated team is there to guide businesses through these most difficult of times and make sure they are getting all the support they need, and more than 600 have already been in touch for advice.”

Several schemes have been made available by the Government for local authorities to administer. This includes grants of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief. Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector are eligible for a grant of £25,000 if they occupy a property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000, and a grant of £10,000 if the rateable value is below £15,000.

Northumberland County Council is urging those who meet the eligibility criteria, and haven’t contacted it yet, to register their details online as soon as possible at www.northumberland.gov.uk/businessshub.

Teams at the council are verifying each registration and processing payments within five to 10 working days from approval, ensuring that all eligible businesses get fast access to funding.

Cllr Jackson continued: “Many businesses are understandably feeling overwhelmed by the financial challenges they are facing, and we are committed to supporting them as much as we possibly can at this challenging time.”

Advice and further information is available at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/businesshub.