More than £20 million has been distributed to North Ayrshire businesses and self-employed people during the coronavirus pandemic.

North Ayrshire Council are continuing to distribute business support grants and hardship applications on behalf of the UK Government.

Around 2,000 applications for support have been received, with £10,000 and £25,000 business grants available, as well as £2,000 hardship grants to support the newly self-employed.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Firstly, a massive thanks to all the staff who have been working tirelessly to make sure our businesses are supported during this.

“The grant process has been a huge undertaking for the team as they have went through around 2000 applications.

“We are not only going through a public health crisis but also an economic one.

“The unprecedented shutdown of the economy has presented huge risks and challenges for businesses and the grants hopefully offer a short-term lifeline.”

Cllr Cullinane says the authority’s economic challenged will not go away following coronavirus lockdown, with an already fragile North Ayrshire economy set to be badly impacted by the shutdown.

The council recently launched its community wealth building strategy, which aims to see businesses, authorities and residents work together to make sure wealth is shared locally to boost the economy.

Details about the business grants and self-employed hardship funding, as well as the community wealth building scheme, can be found on the North Ayrshire Council website.