Mansfield has seen a surge of business start-ups during the past year with lockdown restrictions failing to dampen the entrepreneurial spirit in the district.

Since September 2020, Mansfield District Council has had 64 business support enquiries with half from start-up businesses.

Figures from the council’s business data intelligence service FAME show that start-ups increased from 468 between April and December 2019 to 578 in the same period last year.

The council said it has supported businesses throughout the pandemic, distributing a total of £30m in government support grants and £41,500 in council business support grants.

The grants have allowed many businesses to open up or stay afloat during the challenging year. Others have adapted to operate successfully in a Covid-secure way.

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “This past year has undoubtedly been really tough for some businesses.

“But for others it has also proved to be a unique moment of entrepreneurial opportunity and given them time to launch or to rethink, rebrand or expand into different markets.

“It is very encouraging that, despite all the hardships, the spirit to move forward and continue to trade in some form has continued and these businesses should be applauded.

“The council’s business grants scheme makes a significant difference to new and small ventures and I would encourage other firms to check out how we could help make them a bigger success or give that all-important lift-off booster.

“With the end of the lockdown coming, there is now a sense of excitement and expectation in the air and the council will be doing everything it can to help rebuild our local economy.”

The support measures that the council will be offering include:

λProviding Covid marshalls and ambassadors to offer advice to businesses and the public on how to operate safely.

λInformation leaflets to businesses to enable them to reopen safely.

λPeer to peer sessions supported by Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 to enable businesses to learn from each other.

λUpdated information signs.

λSupport from Environmental Health, Licencing and Town Centre operations to businesses on the ground.

λBusiness survey to be carried out to ascertain what help businesses need.

There are also council grants of up to £2,500 available for expanding businesses or for independent retailers that want to take a vacant shop or improve their shop front.

To find out more about how the council can help a business or business idea, go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/makingbusiness or email [email protected] or call 01623 463499.

The website also has information about Brexit, details of the Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme, networking opportunities, accessing free business advice, investment funding and training.

The council’s business support service works closely with Mansfield and Ashfield 2020, D2N2 Growth hub, NBV Enterprise Solutions, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.