BURY Council has revealed that it has now paid more than £5 million to local companies through the Government’s Small Business Grant Fund.

The £5.4 million cash injection is part of a nationwide measure to help businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 490 firms have received a grant of £10,000 to help them survive and a further 20 companies have received a grant of £25,000.

The grants have been processed by the council in just three days since the Government’s funding arrived at the start of the month.

Councillor David Jones, leader of Bury Council, said: “Our businesses are vital to the success of Bury and the many thousands of local people they employ.

“These are unprecedented times, and we are determined to all we can to support them during these unprecedented times.

“We have contacted Bury businesses about the grant and the Business Rates Relief scheme, and we would urge any business that has not yet responded to get in touch with us.

“I would also like to say thanks to our staff for working so hard to administer this scheme and get money to those who need it so quickly.”

If you think you might be eligible for help through the Small Business Grant Fund, see how to apply via the council's website at bury.gov.uk.

For all information relating to business support during the coronavirus pandemic, go to our Bury Means Business website: burymeansbusiness.bury.gov.uk.