Businesses in Brent are being encouraged to contact their council to ensure they do not miss out on possible government support amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Brent Council reminded small businesses that they could receive one-off grants up to £10,000 if they are eligible for rate relief.

This funding can be used to help meet ongoing business costs but, in order to receive it, they are required to fill in specialist application forms which can be found via the council’s website.

The council also said businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure can secure government grants of up to £25,000 in addition to the business rates holiday announced for 2020/21.

Again, they are required to fill in a specialist form and councillors urged these businesses to do so to ease any pressures brought on by the pandemic.

Cllr Shama Tatler, who is responsible for business at Brent Council, said: “Businesses across Brent are facing an unprecedented challenge and we want to ensure that they receive the support they are entitled to as quickly as possible.

“To get this money to them, we need businesses to tell us which bank account it should be paid into and a few other details.

“I’d ask everyone to help spread the word to eligible businesses and get this quick e-form completed, as the sooner we have these details, the sooner we can get the grant paid to them.”

Visit https://www.brent.gov.uk/your-community/coronavirus/businesses-and-employers for more information.

In neighbouring Harrow, details of such schemes will be made available early next week.