Support for businesses during coronavirus pandemic

A business support team has been set up by Lancaster City Council to provide advice to businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the new team is to provide a dedicated resource for businesses to contact for details of how to apply for funding from a number of support schemes.

The city council has set aside £1million to support businesses in addition to the Government’s own package of measures.

While final details of how these schemes will operate are still being confirmed, the new team is asking for businesses to get in touch and register their details so they can be provided with more information as it becomes available.

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “These are troubling times for us all and many businesses are struggling as people follow the advice to practice greater social distancing and self-isolation.

“We want to help businesses navigate the various financial support options that are available to help them through the pandemic.

“I would urge any business that are struggling to get in touch so we can provide them with the information they need to access the financial support schemes that are available.”

To register with the business support team email econdev@lancaster.gov.uk.

Environmental Health Officers have also put together some practical advice and information for food businesses and answer frequently asked questions they may have about operating during the pandemic.

The FAQs, along with a range of other advice and help, is available on the council’s website at Lancaster.gov.uk/coronavirus. This page will also be updated with links to information on the financial packages to support businesses as they become available.

Any food businesses that require specific regulatory advice should email environmentalhealth@lancaster.gov.uk. 

Last updated: 24 March 2020