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The Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) has launched a capital fund of £90,000 to provide grants to assist businesses affected by the major incident in Salisbury. Businesses including retailers, food and drink operators and those providing accommodation have been adversely impacted.

This fund is for capital expenditure that will support businesses in their recovery; including enabling them to refurbish and redevelop their premises and purchase equipment.

An initial recovery fund of £20,000 was setup with both the SWLEP and Wiltshire Council contributing £10,000 each. To provide further support the SWLEP has provided further capital funding of £90,000 and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have contributed £100,000.

SWLEP are committed to championing local, sustainable growth and supporting businesses across Swindon and Wiltshire. Salisbury is a vibrant, resilient city and its business as usual here. John Mortimer, Chairman of SWLEP said:

“Our task now is to do all we can to support and accelerate the recovery. Our focus is on providing immediate support to businesses most affected by the incident and to work with the business community and other partners to develop plans to promote the area and restore economic growth.”

To arrange an appointment or for further information about the support that is available, businesses should contact the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub on 01225 402096. It is manned 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday by staff members who are fully aware of the situation in Salisbury and can provide advice and links to a wide range of support. The Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub has also created a central online business resource in response to the situation in Salisbury, it offers information and signposts to the latest available business advice, news, events and financial support, visit www.swgrowthhub.co.uk.

Businesses can arrange one to one meetings with a Business Support Advisor from The Enterprise Network (TEN) based in Salisbury to discuss how they have been impacted and explore the support that is available including opportunities to apply for funding. The Enterprise Network Business Advisors are also visiting businesses and meetings can be arranged at their premises if more convenient.

The Enterprise Network Centre also operates a drop-in centre for businesses with any queries or concerns and is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays.

Baroness Scott OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Our focus is on doing all we can to help Salisbury to recover and we welcome this funding from the SWLEP, which will help by supporting businesses directly affected following the incident.

“I would urge any businesses affected to contact the SWLEP to find out more about the support that’s available. The Enterprise Network has business support advisors that can provide advice to ensure businesses get the assistance they need.”