Coronavirus: Financial support available for businesses hit by outbreak

On Tuesday, March 17, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed £330 billion in support for businesses of all sizes including the self-employed.

Mayor Houchen said: “I know this news will be welcomed by the self-employed across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Smaller firms can get loans of up to £5m with no payments due for the first six months available from the start of next week.

No retail, leisure or hospitality businesses will now pay business rates for the next year.

And the Government has also announced a £3,000 grant for businesses that do not pay business rates to help them survive. It will be administered by local councils.

Mayor Houchen says businesses in the region can also play an important part in making medical and critical care equipment, including ventilators, needed by the NHS in the fight against the virus.

He said: “I have spoken to the Government and made as much capacity as possible at TeesAMP available for the vital, and life saving job of manufacturing critical equipment, and I have offered the use of the hotel at Teesside

International Airport as a possible location as a temporary medical facility.”

He is urging any businesses who can help with the manufacture of ventilators to call the BEIS Business Support helpline on 0300 4563565 or email [email protected]

For further information or advice about business financial support available email [email protected]