MORE than £11 million has been invested in hundreds of Barrow businesses by the borough council through their rate relief schemes.

The authority has distributed approximately £11.3 million to 1,001 businesses through the Small Business Rate Relief and Rural Rate Relief schemes.

Further grants are still on offer for businesses in Barrow to relieve the damage caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

A number of businesses have felt the financial pinch - however many are now back open.

The deadline for business grants will continue until Friday, August 28 and one stream of funding the council can offer small businesses is £10,000 to help with ongoing costs.

While the second stream offers the hospitality industry £25,000 if they have rateable value of between £15,000 to £51,000.

Councillor Ann Thomson said: “I must encourage those who haven’t applied yet to do so before the deadline closes.

“This is our final call.”

Please provide all the information needed so the process is as quick and as smooth as possible.”

Further information on applications can be found at barrowbc.gov.uk/news/final-call-for-business-grants-applications-before-deadline/.