BUSINESSES have praised Essex County Council for helping them prepare to reopen with a grants to buy Covid safe equipment.
Phillippa Lee, owner of Yaxley Hair and Beauty Salon in Witham applied for the council's Business Adaptation Grant through Braintree Council.
The grant enabled Phillippa to purchase Covid safety measures for the salon, which included Perspex screens and specialist PPE.
Hairdresser Phillippa, who founded the salon in 2012 said she "can't fault the support".
Phillippa added: "With space for 13 customers at any one time, we’ve used the grant to install plastic screens between our hairdressing units and basins.
"Plus, we’ve bought plastic visors and goggles, disposable gloves and aprons for all of our staff, as well as disposable gowns and hair towels for clients.
"We’ve also bought extra cleaning products for more frequent deep cleaning.
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"It’s been really helpful to have received a grant to support this initial outlay for extra equipment
"Grant application to receiving payment was only a few days, but I know of friends with businesses in other areas of the UK outside of Essex that are experiencing delays getting payments from applications made months ago.
Witham-based Team Kinetix also received an Business Adaptation Grant from Braintree Council.
Head Coach and company director, Brad Wendes said the support was "quick" and meant that they didn't have to worry about additional cost.
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