'We could have collapsed': Northampton's small businesses left out by April's relief fund welcome chance at new grant money

Northampton small businesses that were left out by the Government's Covid-19 relief grant have welcomed a new grant to help them stay on their feet during the lockdown.

Earlier this week, the borough council announced the new "discretionary" grant scheme for businesses that could not claim on the "lifeline" grant in April.

It reaches out to market traders, B&B hotels based at people's homes and charities, as well as hundreds of other businesses that were left out.

Businesses that haven’t received an email from a northampton.gov.uk address by 5pm on June 5 and think they are eligible, should email [email protected].

It's a chance to receive crucial funding for businesswomen like Amanda Lyon-Brown, who runs the Ambles B&B on East Park Parade and has had few customers since the lockdown began.

She told the Chronicle & Echo: "Times have been very different recently and I've only had a few off bookings in these last few months.

"It has been worrying although I've got a bit of income from elsewhere.

"The council phoned me to say I was eligible and were very forthcoming. It should prove very helpful."

The discretionary scheme means eligible businesses can claim a share of £1.7m in grant money up to a maximum of £25,000.

For landlord and charity director Paul Kuznecovs, the money could well save his offices at The Friendship Zone on Gold Street from "collapsing" without its usual funding in the last three months.

Paul said: "These past two months have been extraordinarily challenging. Suddenly everything came to a stop and we were facing collapse.

"I applied for the business relief grant in April but even then I had to wait a month to be told we weren't eligible. It was very concerning.

"Now we have already received this new grant money and I want to thank the borough council. I would encourage others in the town who fell through the cracks to apply for the fund."

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Northampton’s independent businesses make a huge contribution to both the local economy and the unique character of our town centre.

“The council has long advocated such businesses, and will continue to offer support, to ensure that as many as possible can prosper.

“We have a pretty thorough list of businesses who have not yet received support and will be able to benefit from this scheme, and can assure them that our staff are working hard to get this money out as quickly as possible.”

Further information about the scheme can be found on the borough council's website.