CORONAVIRUS: Support agreed for enterprise centre businesses

Council officials are putting special measures in place to help tenants of the Hartlepool Enterprise Centre (HEC) in Brougham Terrace who don’t qualify for help under other Government business support initiatives.

The HEC businesses pay a single rent payment which also covers a significant proportion of their fixed costs. This means they are not eligible for Government-funded grants of £10,000 which are designed to cover businesses’ fixed costs. The grants are available to approximately 1,500 Hartlepool businesses entitled to Small Business Rate Relief, and they have been paid to 900 businesses which have provided the necessary information

As a result, the Council is proposing to give HEC businesses three rent-free months. The situation will be reviewed at the end of that period and further decisions will be taken based on the national situation at that time.

Gill Alexander, Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The HEC which has proved hugely successful over many years, provides a supportive environment where start-up businesses can find their feet and establish themselves. The terms of the tenancies are designed to provide them with the vital security they need in their first year or so of business.

“However, this puts them in a special position and, as a result, they do not qualify for the £10,000 Government grant available in the current circumstances.

“We want to reassure them that they have not been forgotten and that is why we have put together this package of support.”

Any business – irrespective of size - requiring advice, information or guidance on the Government’s support schemes should contact  the Council’s Business Support Team on (01429) 867677 or business.support@hartlepool.gov.uk 

Businesses who think they are eligible for £10,000 grants can complete a simple application form at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/smallbusinessgrant