THE Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) is urging companies to make sure they access the Covid-19 funding and support that is available to them.

Currently, businesses that have been forced to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions can apply online for a support grant through Cheshire West and Chester Council, and this also applies to shops and retailers who aren’t

open directly to customers but are offering services such as deliveries and click and collect.

The Northwich BID team also want to make sure businesses are aware that discretionary grant support can be accessed if they have been significantly financially impacted by Covid-19 Tier restrictions, even though they may not have

had to actually close.

Northwich BID Project Manager Adam Gerrard said: "We’re urging businesses to make sure they have got their applications in for the support grants that are applicable to them.

"It has been an immensely challenging few months for businesses.

"We want to make sure that everyone accesses the financial support that is available so they can navigate this difficult period to enable them to hopefully bounce back strongly in the future."

As with during the lockdowns in 2020, the Northwich BID has been giving crucial updates, information and advice to their members throughout January and continues to support them via social media and PR.

They have been signposting training opportunities to firms too which may give employees the opportunity to learn new skills.

Later this winter the organisation will also be publishing a survey in order to understand how businesses have been affected by this latest lockdown and to ascertain if there are any specific areas they need dedicated help with.

Adam remains cautiously optimistic about the future as he and praised businesses for their ongoing resilience and determination.

"We must all continue to follow the government guidance while the vaccination programme is ongoing and hopefully there will be better news later in the year," he said.

"We can’t wait to see a thriving and bustling town centre once again.

"Our businesses can’t wait either and it’s testament to their character, spirit and attitude that they are remaining positive despite all the challenges posed by coronavirus."