Restart Grant Strand 1

This was a one-off grant available for trading businesses in the Non Essential Retail sector that were occupying properties on the 1 April 2021.

For example, shops that were mandated to close etc, offering in person service to the general public sell directly to consumers.

There are several exclusions from the Restart Grant Strand 1 which include:

• Insolvent businesses
• Businesses without a Business Rates liability
• Businesses that failed certain tests mandated by the Government.

For these purposes, the definition of a non-essential retail business should exclude:

• Food retailers
• Including food markets
• Supermarkets
• Convenience stores
• Corners shops
• Off licences
• Breweries
• Pharmacies
• Chemists
• Newsagents
• Animal rescue centres and boarding facilities
• Building merchants
• Petrol stations
• Vehicle repair and MOT services
• Bicycle shops
• Taxi and vehicle hire businesses
• Education providers including tutoring services
• Banks, building societies and other financial providers
• Post offices
• Funeral directors
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners
• Medical practices
• Veterinary surgeries and pet shops
• Agricultural supply shops
• Garden centres
• Storage and distribution facilities
• Wholesalers
• Employment agencies and businesses
• Office buildings
• Automatic car washes
• Mobility support shops.

There are three different payment amounts depending on the RV of the business property.