Cheshire East Council is reminding its local businesses to apply for funding of up to £6,000, through the government's Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme as the deadline approaches.

The scheme – which closes for applications next Friday (March 18th) – provides one-off grants to support eligible rate-paying hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses experiencing difficulties because of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

The types of businesses eligible for funding includes bars, restaurants, wedding and events venues, soft play centres, museums, theatres, tourist attractions, caravan parks, hotels and B&Bs.

Applications will be accepted until the deadline and can be submitted via the council's website. Only businesses in a fixed rate-paying premises will be eligible to apply for this grant.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, said: "Although our local businesses are proving very successful in getting back to some degree of normality as the country eases out of Covid restrictions, it is very important that we continue to ensure that organisations are aware of the support that remains available.

"The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is one such example. Like most grant schemes, there is limited availability and awards will be distributed on a first come first served basis. My advice to businesses is: have your business rates and property reference numbers at hand when you make your application, as this will save you time. And of course: do not delay in getting your application in."

For further information on the grant and the application process, including other support for businesses in rateable premises, visit: Coronavirus (Covid-19) help for Business Rates customers (cheshireeast.gov.uk)

Payments to businesses that are successful with their applications will be made by Thursday 31 March.