Sunderland firms set to share in extra £700,000 Covid in grant support

The Restart Extension Grant has helped around 250 firms which have missed out on the Government’s Covid support grants.

Businesses to benefit are in sectors including accommodation and leisure, non-essential retailers and personal care providers. The grants are funded by the council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) allocation from central government.

In total, almost £8 million has been distributed to city businesses from the ARGs.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The Restart Extension Grant scheme not only helps us reach out to those operating in sectors that have been hardest hit by lockdown measures, but also those in their supply chains that didn’t meet the criteria for the National Restart Grant.”

One company to benefit from the Restart Extension Grant is Leechmere-based Belle Tents, a marquee hire business which supplies hospitality and events businesses across the region, including the Sunderland International Airshow.

Managing director Daryl Scaife said the business is ‘heavily impacted by the social distancing measures brought about by the pandemic’.

He added: “Luckily, we were able to qualify for ARG funding and I can’t thank the team enough for their support.

“While events are finally starting to return, functions such as weddings are still being pushed back and this support has been key to helping us cope with the downturn and ensuring we can pick up where we left off once we return to normality.”

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