After much local and national lobbying, today’s announcement is welcome news for hospitality, theatres and museums.

We sent a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, alongside Visit West, Business West, Bristol Nights, Barbi and Bristol Food Union, urging them to act immediately with guidance and support for our businesses.

Additionally, in coordination with 100+ UK destinations, we called on the government to deliver a #BusinessBooster and support hospitality, retail and leisure businesses. Read our letter to the Government.

Businesses will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, and discretionary funding will be made available through the Additional Restrictions Grant to support other businesses impacted by Omicron, such as those who supply the hospitality and leisure sectors.

The government will cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for COVID-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK.

£30 million of further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter.

We need to ensure the Government continues to review these packages of support over the coming months.