Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Bruce Crawford have welcomed the announcement of top-up support for businesses in the hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors.

Scottish Government Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced grants of:

• £25,000 for larger hospitality businesses.
• £6,000 for smaller hospitality businesses.
• £9,000 for larger retail businesses.
• £6,000 for smaller retail businesses.

These grants are available in addition to the support these businesses receive through the Strategic Businesses Framework Fund, in place to help businesses that have been impacted or have had to close whilst coronavirus restrictions are in place.

Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:

‘This will be a big boost to many businesses in the Stirling area, many of whom have struggled over the Christmas and New Year period, when under normal circumstances they would have seen a seasonal boost in trade.

‘It is also welcome news that the Scottish Government will make this funding available this month, as many businesses are now in a situation where ongoing overheads are becoming more and more difficult to keep on top of.

‘Since the start of the pandemic, the Scottish Government has provided nearly £3 billion in funding support to businesses across the country, that is an unprecedented amount. The purpose of this is to ensure that we emerge from this pandemic with a strong economy, supporting jobs and communities.’ 

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘The Stirling area is rich in tourism and hospitality businesses, all of whom have seen a really tough year – and many unable to operate at all through most of it. I therefore welcome this funding, and I know that it’ll be a shot in the arm to these key industries that have really taken the hit during this pandemic.

‘Bruce Crawford MSP and I have been working with businesses over the past few months to try to help ensure that support reaches where it needs to be. I’ve had very constructive discussions with the Chambers of Commerce and local FSB members. More than anything, these businesses, and their employers, just want to get back to work. However, while it’s not currently safe to do so, this support is vital in ensuring our vibrant economy remains as such during this trying time.

‘The Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has confirmed that businesses will receive these top-up grants automatically if they’ve already applied for the Strategic Framework Business Fund. For those who haven’t yet applied, they are able to do so now.‘