Businesses across Northumberland are set to benefit from the latest round of grants aimed at supporting businesses that have been hit by reduced trade and cancellations due to fears over the spread of Omicron in the run up to Christmas. 
 

This includes grants worth up to £6,000 for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant and discretionary grants worth up to £4,000 for businesses who fall outside the criteria of the government grant scheme. 
 

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for corporate resources said: “Since the start of the pandemic, the County Council has administered over £200 million in business support grants and we know how challenging this has been for everyone. 
 

“The festive period and the lead up to it was a difficult time, particularly for the hospitality industry, in what should have been their busiest time, due to the threat of the latest variant. 
 

“We know there has been an impact on businesses of all sizes, and we want to ensure those who are eligible get fast access to the latest round of business support grants. 
 

“We’ve teams ready to get this funding out as quickly as possible and would encourage businesses to apply for funding without delay.” 
 

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides payments for businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sector, ranging from £2,776 to £6,000 depending on the rateable value of their premises. 
 

The Government has also provided around £480,000 to the council through an Additional Restrictions Grant, which is being used to provide payments worth between £200 and £4,000 for businesses impacted by Omicron, but do not meet the eligibility criteria of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, such as those in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sectors and businesses within their supply chains.  
 

Businesses are urged to check the eligibility criteria and apply at https://nland.uk/grants  for the latest grants. Applications for the Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant must be received by March 18th to allow them to be processed, but the council is urging local businesses to apply now.