Chesterfield Borough Council supporting local businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working hard to ensure that local businesses have received the support they need throughout the pandemic.

The council has paid out £26,105,000 in small business grants to 2231 Chesterfield businesses.

An additional £1,302,250 has also been shared with 145 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme. The deadline for applications for the grants has now closed.

The council’s Economic Development team have also provided expert advice and support to over 300 local businesses and – as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants – the council has amended rental terms, including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We understand that times are exceptionally tough for business owners, so it’s important that we are here to support them in whatever way we can.”

“Whilst there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough by supporting the town’s businesses to bounce back and helping restore business and consumer confidence.”

As lockdown restrictions started to ease, the council worked closely with retailers, market traders and licensees to safely and successfully re-open Chesterfield town centre.

The council has been delighted to see thousands of people return to the high street since 1 June and is pleased to report that retail occupancy rates are close to returning to the levels seen back in March.