Over 6,800 grants have been distributed to local businesses across Gosport and Fareham who have benefitted from a share of over £42 million since the beginning of the pandemic.
Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the news that so many employers have benefitted from financial support over the past year, protecting jobs and businesses across Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent. When stricter restrictions were introduced in November, Caroline promoted local businesses offering click and collect and delivery services on her social media. Now, she has set up a separate Facebook page where people can continue to post about the services and goods they offer in shops and online.
Gosport and Fareham Borough Council have been allocating government grants such as the Small Business Grant, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grant and Local Authority Discretionary Grant to support businesses in both Boroughs as they have had to close and reopen their doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Now, they have been allocated a total £7.3 million to support businesses in non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors as they safely welcome back customers.
Caroline commented:
“Our local businesses have had an incredibly tough time over the past year as they have had to shut and reopen their doors.
“I am pleased that over £42 million has reached employers across Gosport and Fareham, with £7.3 million now available to support them as they reopen safely and welcome customers back.
“It has been great to be out and about the constituency recently visiting those who have been able to reopen and I encourage constituents to continue to shop local and support our independent and brilliant traders.”
