Business support phone number set up in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Council set-up the number to hand out advice and guidance – with a high volume of calls expected.

It comes as Government grants worth up to £25,000 were set to be paid out to eligible businesses in the city.

Letters were sent out to businesses across the city to inform them of the cash available.

Councillor Harman Banger, cabinet member for city economy, said: "Our small and medium businesses are critical to our local economy and we appreciate what a hugely challenging time this is for them, which is why we are upping our levels of support with a new dedicated business phone line.

"We are doing everything in our power to make the process of accessing vital grants as smooth as possible and I would urge businesses to pay close to attention to the detail in the letter/email.

"We have staff on hand to support with any help and advice businesses may need in completing their online applications."

Anyone with any business-related queries should call the helpline 01902 290242.

It will run between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday, or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

Once all necessary checks have been completed, payments will take up to three days to be received in business' bank accounts.

For more information visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus