Hundreds of Middlesbrough taxi drivers have applied for a small grant to purchase PPE equipment

Business support from Middlesbrough Council has been praised for making a "massive difference" and helping hundreds of taxi drivers and organisations to become COVID-19 secure.

The authority's small grant scheme helps businesses purchase PPE equipment and undertake deep cleans to keep their premises safe for customers and visitors.

Already nearly 500 taxi drivers and more than 120 businesses have been confirmed for assistance.

To further support the Middlesbrough business community the council has increased the grant to £150 to help businesses who have been forced to close to take the opportunity to restock or deep clean, as well as help those businesses still open to continue to operate safely for their staff and customers.

The support is available to Middlesbrough based businesses with less than 10 staff and includes self-employed individuals.

Carol Robinson, owner of beauty and treatment salon Ultra Chic Clinique, said: "The support from Middlesbrough Council has made a massive difference - enabling us to keep the salon open and reducing the worry and stress during lockdown when everything was pretty scary and uncertain.

"The grant has helped cover the costs of PPE which really adds up with the additional cleaning we have introduced. We were able to purchase a range of items to keep us and our clients safe such as protective screens, face masks, couch roll protector, disinfectant, wipes, linen and a steam cleaner."

Cllr Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "We know businesses are doing all they can to try and get back on their feet and we hope this grant to make their operation COVID secure is taken up - we'd really urge all local business owners to read up on the help available."

The grant can be used to purchase protective equipment such as sanitiser, gloves and thermometers, as well as carry out deep cleans and other appropriate measures to ensure public and staff are protected.

If you have already applied for this grant you can apply again (max 2 claims), see the business support page for full details and claim form.