BEIS confirms foodservice equipment suppliers are eligible for local council grants

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has confirmed grant aid for foodservice equipment supply companies in the form of grants from local councils.

The decision follows lobbying from the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA), supported by other trade associations such as UKHospitality, which argued that businesses that were linked to the hospitality industry require support on a level with that provided to hospitality.

As a result, BEIS has said that businesses that supply the hospitality sector can apply for grants, with local councils given the the freedom to determine the eligibility criteria for the grants. BEIS expects the funding to help those businesses which, while not legally forced to close, are nonetheless severely impacted by the restrictions.

“We are delighted that the government has finally agreed that the foodservice equipment supply chain needs extra support,” said Steve Hobbs (pictured), chair of FEA. “I’d like to congratulate the FEA team who, despite repeated frustrations, have never let up in their pressure and efforts.”

To find out more, visit ‘coronavirus additional restrictions grant’ pages at the gov.uk website here