More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
By Katie May Nelson and Sean Delaney
Millions of pounds have been given to businesses in north Kent to support them during the coronavirus outbreak.
More than £160 million has been given out in grants to over 13,000 businesses across the county.
The Small Business Grants Scheme was launched in March to support businesses who are most at risk during the pandemic.
Up to £10,000 is available for each small business, and £25,000 for eligible leisure, retail and hospitality firms.
Additionally, companies paying business rates also get a 100% discount.
This was later extended to include leisure and hospitality businesses.
One of those who have benefited from the scheme is Martin Allen who has managed family-run business Allen Carpets alongside his wife Debbie in Windmill Street, Gravesend, since 1995.
As of Friday, April 24, Gravesham Borough Council had given £9.9m to 850 businesses.
This month would have marked the Allen Carpet's 25th birthday but celebrations have been put on hold due to the Covid-19 outbreak and government lockdown.
His wife submitted the online application to Gravesham Borough Council which they were told by email could take up to 10 days but they were pleasantly surprised to see it hit their account in six.
He said: “I was very fortunate to get the grant. Until that money came in I thought, 'sugar'.
“It came through nice and easy and took a bit of the pressure off. Thank goodness for that.”
The business has survived major recessions that have hit the retail industry in the past and Martin remains confident they will still be trading post Covid-19 without the need for a bank loan.
He added his only gripe has been that major DIY traders have been allowed to reopen and sell products like laminated flooring but smaller retailers such as his remain unable to.
The comments echo those of independent garden centre boss Tammy Woodhouse, who says Millbrook Garden Centre has lost more than £1m since lockdown while the larger chains reopened this week.
He said: “It is frustrating but being a one man band, I can’t have many people in my shop at any one time.”
Gravesham Borough Council has been notifying businesses who could potentially benefit through their social media channels and their website.
They have also been emailling and calling businesses they believe qualify for the support.
Medway Council has dealt with 1,500 applications for businesses grants and as of April 24, had distributed nearly £19m.
A letter including a copy of the application form was sent out to around 3,000 businesses.
The council says it has been working to contact businesses who may be eligible but haven't yet applied.
Dartford Borough Council has paid out over £10.3m to 75% of eligible businesses in the borough.
Bosses estimate 1,100 businesses in the area qualify for a share of £14m.
So far, 823 businesses have benefited from the scheme.
In Dartford, discounts totalling £58.8m have been applied to eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
A total of 701 businesses qualified, from this discount meaning they will have no business rates to pay for 2020/21.
Cllr Avtar Sandhu (Con) said: “This is money that can make the difference between extinction and survival for some businesses and I have asked that applications are processed without delay.
"I am delighted that we seem to be ahead of many local authority areas when it comes to getting money to local businesses but it seems that some firms have not yet applied and others have yet to respond with the details we need to transfer the money.
"I urge them to contact the business rates team on 01322 343008.
“We know this is a very worrying time for everyone and that it is having an impact on businesses, employers and employees. These grants are aimed at helping keep companies in business during the current crisis, with the intention to protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery."
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