MORE THAN 2,000 businesses in the New Forest have benefited from support grants.

New Forest District Council has to-date paid out £31.725 million in Business Support Grants to 2,595 businesses, but it says many that are eligible for the support have not yet come forward.

This places it in the top 20 per cent performing councils in national figures released this week.

However, the district council says more than 1,000 eligible businesses in the district have yet to make their claim for the free funding to which they are entitled.

The council is urging all businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of up to £51,000, and those getting Small Business Rate Relief to apply for their Business Support Grant.

Matt Callaghan, the economic development manager at New Forest District Council, said: “We recognise that cashflow is an issue for all businesses and that it is particularly critical during this period. Yet, many eligible businesses in the New Forest have yet to claim their grant.”

Ryan Stevens, the service manager for revenues and benefits, added: “We have written again to more than 1,000 businesses identified as being eligible for a business grant that have yet to claim it.

“We want to make sure that every business eligible for a grant is able to access and benefit from it and we urge businesses to apply without delay. This grant is free, easy to claim and doesn’t need to be repaid.

“Once we have your completed application you could receive your money in just a few working days.”

Businesses can find out whether they are eligible for support through the grant and make a claim at newforest.gov.uk/Business-Grants-Information

The business rates team are available on 01590 646119 to answer any queries.

More information on the support available to businesses locally can be found at newforest.gov.uk/coronavirusbusiness