How businesses in Watford badly hit by Omicron are being supported

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said he was pleased that more support was being made available, with the grants open to a wide variety of businesses from multiple sectors.

The three on officers are the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, Omicron Business Support Grant and Omicron Home Business Support Grant.

Below you can find out more about each grant:

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

This supports businesses offering in-person services in the hospitality and leisure sectors that have been badly hit by Omicron.

The business must operate out of a fixed premises and pay business rates - eligible businesses in this category can receive a grant of up to £6,000.

Omicron Business Support Grant

This is intended to support those businesses in Watford which have been severely impacted by the Omicron variant but are not eligible for the Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

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If a business can show they have been negatively impacted by Covid-19, it may be eligible for a grant of up to £3,000 depending on the rateable value or rent payable on their business premises.

Omicron Home Business Support Grant

This supports those businesses who do not operate out of a fixed premises paying business rates.

If the business is part of one of the sectors that have been identified to be at risk from Omicron, the business may be eligible for a one-off payment of £500.

Peter Taylor

Speaking about the grants, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Watford’s business community has faced numerous trials in the last two years, and I applaud their resilience and fortitude in continuing to grow and serve their community under such adverse conditions.

“I hope these new grants, in addition to the many support programmes already available, will provide a valuable helping hand to businesses that have been adversely affected by the spread of Omicron.”

To find out more click here.