Coronavirus - Support for businesses
The council understands that the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that this is a worrying time for businesses. We want to reassure you that we are working with the NHS, Public Health England and other partners to prepare for the local impact.
This page provides a summary of the support available to help your business through this difficult period.
We are particularly keen to work with businesses in the borough, wherever we can, to prevent closures and job losses. You can contact us by emailing businessforum@lbbd.gov.uk.
- Latest news
- Join our business directory
- Barking and Dagenham Film Studios
- Government support to manage the impact of COVID-19
- Find coronavirus financial support for your business
- GOV.UK guidance for your business
- Wider support available
Latest news
We are pleased to say that all COVID related grant funding has been fully allocated and distributed to businesses in Barking and Dagenham.
Our teams here at the council have worked tirelessly over the last 2 years in processing all of the various different grants programmes which has enabled us to support 1000’s of businesses across the borough.
Please note that from 31st March 2022 all COVID related grant programmes have closed.
Going forward we will look to see what other funding, schemes and programmes will become available and will list them on this page and via our newsletters.
We would encourage all businesses in the borough to sign up to our online directory which will help us to advertise your business for free but also enable us to keep you informed of the latest news and support available.
Join our business directory
Whether you are looking for the latest news about investment and development activity in Barking and Dagenham; information about forthcoming events, networking opportunities and new funding and business support initiatives; or insights about business growth, the best way to keep up to date is to join us.
Barking and Dagenham Film Studios
The Mayor of London has backed plans by the council to build the capital’s largest film studios in Dagenham East, boosting the borough and London’s growing film and TV industries.
The studios will see six sound stages, productions offices and set construction workshops built on former industrial land in Yewtree Avenue. This will create an estimated 1,200 jobs and contribute £35m per year to the local economy. Find out more in our news article: Mayor gives go-ahead to major new film studios in Dagenham.
If you are a local business interested in providing goods and services to the film industry as it develops in the borough, sign up to receive news and updates on future opportunities as these emerge, and visit the filmlbbd website for more information about the film sector developing in the borough.
Government support to manage the impact of COVID-19
The government set out a package of temporary and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period.
You can find up-to-date information on who is eligible and how to access these by visiting:
COVID-19: support for businesses on Gov.uk.
Find coronavirus financial support for your business
Use the government support finder tool to identify support available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed.
Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.
Business coronavirus support finder
GOV.UK guidance for your business
Find detailed guidance on out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Close contact services
This includes hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, massage therapists and tailors.
Construction and other outdoor work
Factories, plants and warehouses
Hotels and other guest accommodation
Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
The visitor economy
This includes people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events.
Wider support available
Barking and Dagenham’s main business support provider, the Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC). The BEC offers affordable workspace, information and advice to local businesses, and hosts a range of online webinars. Further information can be found on the BEC website.
The London Growth Hub has a range of support initiatives as well as an online library of resources for businesses. You can also now book a virtual appointment with a Growth Hub Advisor to help you find the right support for your business.
The Federation of Small Businesses has also collated useful advice and information that may be useful for the issues facing small businesses.
The Small Business Research and Enterprise Centre is the City of London Corporations’ small business start-up support service, open to all small businesses through out the UK. You can get access to a range of free specialist business information and market research. They also host a range of business support events, free webinars and 1-2-1 advice sessions.
