MORE than 180 businesses have netted a share of a £1.7 million in grants to help them keep afloat through the coronavirus pandemic.

Tendring Council was provided with £1.7million from the Government to hand out to qualifying businesses over several rounds of the grant scheme.

A total of 182 firms have received grants ranging from £5,739 to £25,000, with Tendring Council increasing the minimum £5,000 payment to ensure all the district benefitted from the entirety of the funding.

Samuel Brothers, a bespoke military tailors which has premises in Parkeston, received a £25,000 grant.

Lee Dawson, managing director of tailoring firm said the funding had been an amazing boost for the company.

“Like most companies, the last few months have been very tough,” Mr Dawson added.

“This will assist us hugely in getting back on track.”

Neil Stock, Tendring Council's leader, said the funding was a welcome boost for businesses in the district.

“While Covid-19 has presented some companies with opportunities, for many the pandemic has led to difficult times and these grants have been a much-needed shot in the arm to help them stay afloat,” he added.

“These grants, along with the other financial support offered to businesses by Government and our own Back to Business programme, means we can keep our local economy fighting fit and lessen the impact of coronavirus on our lives.

“We know there are some firms out there who may have missed out on financial support, but we hope they can access other Government support initiatives.

"The grant scheme is only one of the ways we are supporting people and business, and we hope that by continuing to work for our district we can help as many people as possible through the pandemic.”

The scheme has now closed.