Aware that many enterprises in those areas did not realise what they were entitled to, Fiona McArthur, manager of Bournemouth Coastal BID phoned various companies and helped them to receive what there were due in the form of interruption grants, securing a total of £100,000.

Areas of tourism have been hardest hit with the enforced Covid-19 restrictions and the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors remain in peril.

The Coastal BID also secured around £60,000 in further grants to enable it to continue its work.

Fiona said, “It’s vital that we keep our businesses open because they create jobs and boost the local economy – and families depend on them.

“I became aware that there were businesses who didn’t realise that they were entitled to a grant.

“Part of the BID’s remit is to help businesses and that is what we did by informing them what they were entitled to and helping them claim it.

“For a small, independent business £10,000 makes a huge difference.”