Published: Wednesday 27 May 2020
Kensington and Chelsea Council has launched a new survey for local business owners and self-employed people to understand the impacts of Covid-19 so far and gauge preparations for lockdown easing. The Council will use the information to understand exactly the challenges businesses are facing and the specific support they feel they will need to recover.
The survey addresses questions such as how businesses feel they will be able to operate with relaxed lockdown measures and types of Government and Council support they have been able to access.
Since the Government announced a nationwide lockdown on 23 March in response to Covid-19, almost all businesses had to close their doors, with many still unable to open until at least 15 June.
The Council has already been backing businesses with a £500,000 Business Interruption Fund, created to offer grants to business in the borough that were unable to access any Government support. So far almost half of the Fund has already been allocated, with £247,500 approved for 62 grants.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Economy, Employment and Innovation, said:
“Hearing from our local businesses is absolutely vital so that we understand their needs and how we can best help them coming through this difficult situation. That’s why we have created this survey and encourage everyone to take ten minutes to give your response.
“Protecting the livelihoods of our hard working business owners, entrepreneurs and their employees is one of our top priorities.”
The business survey is open until 11 June for all businesses based in Kensington and Chelsea. For more information and to take part, visit the Council’s COVID-19 business support page.