Thousands of businesses in South Yorkshire have not accessed financial support they’re entitled to

The government has made grants available for small businesses struggling to cope with the financial impact of Covid-19.

Different types of grant are available, all of which are being administered through local councils: £10,000 for businesses in receipt of small business or rural rates relief; £10,000 for retail, hospitality or leisure businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less; and £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

The four councils in South Yorkshire have attempted to contact the 22,980 businesses in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield that are eligible for the funding.

However, almost 6,000 businesses have not yet taken up the offer – therefore missing out on thousands of pounds in funding.

Sheffield Council has paid out to 7,000 businesses, Doncaster has given out £48.3 million to 4,275 firms, Barnsley £36 million and Rotherham the same amount to 3,100 companies.

James Muir, Sheffield City Region local enterprise partnership chairman, said: “We know Covid-19 is the greatest challenge most of the businesses across our region will have faced. That’s why the government has made this extra support available, and is also why our growth hub is there to provide bespoke expert advice to all businesses across our region, whatever their size or sector.

“However, we also know a large number of businesses still have not accessed the funding to which they are entitled.

“This may be for any number of reasons, but I believe many businesses aren’t aware they’re eligible.

“I therefore encourage all retail, hospitality or leisure businesses, or those eligible for small business or rural rates relief, to contact the growth hub on 0333 000 0039 for support.”

Coun Bill Mordue, Doncaster Council cabinet member for business, skills and economic development, said: “We have already paid out £48.3m to 4,275 businesses.

“However, there are still local businesses out there who have not submitted their details to receive the grant payment.

“I would urge them to get in touch and get support so they have every chance of surviving this crisis.”