More than 2000 Cumbrian businesses could be missing out on grants to support them through the coronavirus crisis.

The Government is offering £10,000 grants to any business in premises with a rateable value up to £15,000, and £25,000 grants to businesses in hospitality, leisure or retail with a rateable value of more than £15,000 but less than £51,000.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce warned the deadline for applications is this Friday and figures show there are 2,128 eligible businesses in Cumbria that have yet to claim.

Chamber chief executive Rob Johnston said: “Nearly 15,000 Cumbrian businesses have received these grants since the schemes were launched in March.

“For some, this money has been the difference between survival and going under. They are grants not loans. There is no requirement to repay the cash.

“It would be a tragedy if some businesses miss out because they're not aware of the deadline.”

More information on the grants is available on the chamber's website.

Meanwhile, he said Cumbria Business Growth Hub had been “inundated” with enquiries about new coronavirus recovery grants launched last week.

It is administering two Government schemes, one for small and medium-sized tourism businesses and the other for SMEs in other sectors.

Grants from £1,000 to £5,000 are available to cover the cost of buying-in advice to address immediate needs in response to Covid-19. More details can be found on the Growth Hub website.