Partly thanks to a campaign backed by the Evening Standard, a £3 million fund has been set up to help the victims of the recent riots in London.
The High Street Fund is designed to support small business owners trying to rebuild their livelihoods after the recent riots. According to the Standard: ‘The emergency grants – the majority are expected to be £1,000 or less, awarded on a case-by-case basis – are intended to help shopkeepers with repairs, replacing stock and getting the funds needed to start trading again.
‘Donations are constantly being received and it is now hoped that more leading companies will donate to the fund. To qualify for funding, owners will need to explain what has happened to their business, how it happened, and how assistance from the fund will help get them survive.’
Supporters so far include BP, Santander, Lloyds and Deloitte whilst Boris has also committed £500,000 from City Hall funds.
Announcing the fund, Bozza said: “I know that there are businesses that need this help and I know there are people who are willing to give, people who have been deeply moved by the sight of men and women who have got up at 5am every day to prepare their shops only to see their work trashed or torched. That is why we have set up the High Street Fund.
“I have seen at first hand businesses showing remarkable resilience and true fighting spirit. However, it is no secret that many high streets in the capital are still suffering. Small businesses need urgent help to repair damage and get goods back on the shelves and the High Street Fund will help to do just that.”
It is expected that the first grants will be awarded as early as next week.