BUSINESSES are being urged to check their eligibility for the latest wave of Government Covid recovery support.

Next month, most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen.

The next phase, currently scheduled for 17 May, will allow indoor hospitality to reopen as well as indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas and the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs alongside indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

Cumbria’s Business and Economic Response and Recovery Group (BERRG) is encouraging all businesses to consider accessing financial support, where appropriate.

The £5billion New Restart Grants Scheme offers businesses in the non-essential retail sector in England, one-off grants of up to £6,000.

Businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £18,000 on re-opening. The £5 billion of government funding available through Restart Grants will be delivered by local authorities.

This is coupled with £425 million of top-up funding for the ongoing Additional Restrictions Grant scheme for businesses in urgent need of additional support. This is delivered by local councils but is also available to businesses, which don’t necessarily pay business rates like tour operators, B&Bs, caterers, freelancers and wedding service providers.

BERRG chair Jo Lappin, said: “We appreciate that many businesses are really busy trying to get their businesses back up and running. However, spending a little time on this is really worth it."