Richmond Council is at the top end of a league table for distributing grants to local businesses struggling because of the pandemic.

The government has published data on the amount of money distributed to SMEs by every local authority (314 authorities) in England as part of the two grant schemes launched to help businesses deal with COVID-19.

Richmond is the 4th highest-placed Council in London and 19th in the country, issuing over £31m to around 1,872 local businesses with council officers working day and night to process applications and get funding into people's bank accounts.

Small businesses which receive Small Business Rate Relief are eligible for a £10,000 grant, with a few exclusions such as properties occupied for personal uses and car parking spaces.

In Richmond upon Thames this will provide £15m of support for small businesses.

A second grant scheme focuses on the retail, leisure and hospitality sector.

This second scheme will pay a grant of £25,000 to eligible businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 and a grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 and below.

It is thought that this funding will provide a further £30m of support to local businesses. Eligible businesses can submit their application online.

Once a claim has been made, the council is working as quickly as possible to process the grants and payment will be made as soon as possible to businesses.

Cllr Robin Brown, Lead Member for Finance and Resources at Richmond Council, said:"We are working really hard to get money out and into the bank accounts of businesses. We know that this is a lifeline for so many local people – helping people pay rent or staffing costs.

"We are conscious that there are still a number of businesses who haven't applied for the grants. Our officers are identifying those businesses and trying to contact them directly. However, if you think you are eligible, apply now!"

How to Apply

For more information regarding other support for businesses, go to: For information regarding other support for business