An online form launched yesterday by Bath & North East Somerset Council to help businesses access urgent financial help from the Government during the Coronavirus pandemic has had more than 800 responses within 24 hours.

The council's Invest in Bath business support team has been working flat out to process the applications to help a range of businesses to receive the vital payments more quickly.

Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate relief may be eligible for a £10,000 cash grant. Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value above £15,000 and below £51,000 may be eligible for a £25,000 cash grant.

Businesses who haven't already registered for the grants are being reminded to do so by following this link the investment web site

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader, said: "We were ready for the huge response we've had to this service on the first day and our dedicated team is working hard on more than 800 applications already received. Please be patient with us while we process them as fast as we can to make sure your business can access this vital support. I'd also encourage any eligible companies which haven't already filled in our online form to do so without delay."

HM Revenue & Customs is delivering a programme of webinars to support employers, employees and the self-employed through this period of disruption. You can watch the first recorded webinar and register for future webinars using this link: bit.ly/HMRCWebinar

The full range of financial support for businesses announced by Government can be found here web site

To contact the Invest in Bath team, email [email protected]