BUSINESSES in Colchester can apply for a share of £6 million in Government grants to help them through what is set to be a difficult winter.

Colchester Council is distributing the grants, available to businesses which have had to close or been unable to trade due to lockdown restrictions.

A discretionary scheme to support businesses is also available as well as a new Business Adaptation Grant to help firms change their way of operating.

Colchester Council’s business and resources boss David King said: “As we did in the first lockdown, we will play our full part to ensure all businesses are aware of the range of support available and get help swiftly out to them when we can.

“This winter will be difficult for all businesses, but we will do all we can to support them through to better times.

“Recognising the limitations of past national support, we will ensure our local discretionary scheme spreads a little Christmas cheer as wide and far as we can.”

For more information, visit colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus/ businesses.