Supporting businesses throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond

The London Borough of Sutton is home to over 8,200 businesses.  Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been working with our business community to ensure they are best placed to take advantage of all the funding opportunities that arise.

We have awarded support and grants totalling almost £64million to help businesses in Sutton since the start of the Covid pandemic a year ago.

“Businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and it’s important that we support as many livelihoods and jobs as possible” says Lizzie, Opportunity Sutton Service Manager.

“We’ve worked to establish schemes and administer grants as quickly as possible and are here to provide support and guidance for the challenges and road to recovery that 2021 brings”.

The Opportunity Sutton team work in partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to support businesses.

Our work includes ensuring Council rules and regulations are clearly communicated to support business, developing and delivering borough wide initiative on apprenticeships and supporting businesses to access help and support.

In June 2020,  the team took on the role of high street marshals, helping residents and businesses stay safe, answering any queries and welcoming shoppers back to the high street.

This is one of hundreds of services we provide in Sutton. But we are facing a big challenge. More than 70% of our budget goes towards caring for Sutton’s vulnerable adults and children. Following COVID-19, more people are needing our help, while the cost of services is increasing.

Find out how we plan to protect those needing our care and support Sutton’s recovery over the next 12 months.

For regular business updates from Sutton Council, please subscribe to our business newsletter, Sutton Business Scene.