The scheme which was initially launched by the Council in June and has since had three rounds of applications, has allocated more than £1.7 million to a range of businesses including sole traders and the self-employed who weren’t eligible for other central government programmes.

Having answered the government’s call to design and implement a ‘discretionary’ scheme at local level, the Council set about the complex process of formulating and administering a programme which could benefit as many local enterprises as possible.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business & Finance Councillor Richard Hales commented;

“Given the tight timescales and the huge challenges faced by the Council to develop a scheme with a robust and fair application process and measures in place to mitigate against potential fraud, I am very pleased that our team has more than risen to this challenge. Not only have we provided a lifeline for a large number and variety of local businesses who were vulnerable and struggling to survive, but we have also modified the process and criteria allowing us to extend our support even further. I would like to pay tribute to the Enterprise hub and all other staff involved.”

The Council has received many messages of thanks from recipients including the following message;

“Fantastic news that my application has been successful it will make a big difference going forward now. I’m extremely grateful to WDC for all your patience and assistance with this ...not something I am used to. This will be reinvested back into Leamington and Warwick through my work.”

A total of 366 businesses have already been supported by the scheme each receiving a grant ranging from £3000 to £10,000. Following the completion of these payments the Council will be allocating additional grants to a further 258 eligible businesses. An additional £1000 will be sent to all organisations that received the lowest tier grant of £3000, to ensure that the full government allocation is awarded.