MORE THAN £1.2 million has been distributed to 93 Eastleigh businesses in a coronavirus grant payout.

Payments totalling £1,210,000 have already been given out to the businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis, and the Eastleigh Borough Council is currently processing a steady stream of applications.

Business owners across the borough have shared their appreciation to the council after receiving a notification of their grant.

One owner said: "Your email has made such a huge difference to how we are dealing with everything, and for that we are eternally grateful. Thank you to you and your colleagues for everything, your help is appreciated more than you will ever realise.”

Businesses that are eligible could receive a £10k or £25k grant depending on the size of the company and if a company is in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or run a business in retail, hospitality or the leisure sector and have a Rateable Value of £51,000 or less, they can complete the form to be assessed for eligibility for any grants or reliefs.

Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Councillor Keith House, said: “The Council is committed to supporting the prosperity of local businesses and we are very aware of the difficulties and huge uncertainty that many in the Borough are suffering as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Our Economic Development team responded very quickly to the government’s initiative, and it is excellent that that so many businesses have already responded and that we have been able to provide help so quickly.”

The Economic Development team at the Council is encouraging people to continue to apply for business grants if they haven’t yet done so, and they will continue to process these over the coming weeks.

The application form can be downloaded at: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/latest-news/emergency-support-for-businesses