In March, Dorset LEP allocated additional resource to Dorset Gateway, Dorset LEP’s business growth hub, to manage increased enquiries and ensure local businesses were aware of these two schemes, as well as all other government and local funding support that has been made available throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

As of 31 May, 93,100 jobs were recorded as furloughed by businesses across the county since the scheme was launched in April, with 30,200 self-employed people also having been supported.

In May, Dorset Gateway teamed up with Crowdfunder and Enterprise Nation to launch Crowdfund Dorset Business, which provides match funding of up to £5,000 for the self-employed and for small businesses to help them keep trading and bounce-back from the effects of COVID-19.

Finn Morgan, Dorset Gateway manager, said, “While it has been a hugely difficult time for local businesses, their employees, and the region’s large number of self-employed businesses, we are reassured that so many have taken advantage of the CJRS and SEISS schemes, as well as other national and local support measures.

“We’ve seen a number of Dorset businesses showing great resilience during the crisis with many finding new ways of working, and many more benefiting from the support of the local community staying and shopping locally.”