Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council’s Covid grant scheme helps fuel new and innovative working practices at Armagh business, Autobits Motorstore.
Led by ABC Council, in conjunction with the Department for Communities and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Grant Scheme launched last summer and offered local businesses the opportunity to apply for financial assistance of up to £20,000 to address some of the operational challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supporting the car company’s plan to create an additional office space and communal area at their Armagh premises, the £20,000 grant award enabled Autobits Motorstore to purchase new office furniture, computer equipment, an awning, dishwasher and gas heating system.
Not only helping support safe trading and social distancing requirements for their employees and customers, the new investments will also enhance the team’s capacity to serve customers faster and more effectively.
“I am delighted that council’s Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Grant Scheme has been able to support and assist this fantastic renovation project at Autobits Motorstore,” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr.
“Bringing real value to the business, these new, enhanced and fully equipped spaces will enable Autobits to ensure a Covid secure environment for their customers and staff as well as help support future business growth and development.”
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “My Department introduced the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme to support the recovery of our towns and city centres post pandemic. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has received over £2.2 million through this programme.
“I am delighted to see that these grants are supporting local businesses, helping to breathe life back into our towns and city centres and ultimately keep them safe, alive and prosperous.”
Pictured: Autobits Motorstore MD Martin McDonagh and Lord Mayor Alderman Glenn Barr
Serving the Armagh area for over 35 years, the family-run business supplies high quality, robust and dependable vehicle parts, tools, paint and accessories.
Mairead McDonagh from Autobits Motor Store commented: “We were delighted to receive funding from council’s Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Grant Scheme. Supporting the implementation of innovative working practices at Autobits Motor Store, the investment has been instrumental in helping us ensure a Covid safe and comfortable environment, protect and safeguard jobs as well as sustain our current business and prepare us to take advantage of any future business growth opportunities.”
Receiving 1,000 applications, the Covid-19 Revitalisation and Recovery Grant Scheme has invested over £1.1 million into local rural and urban businesses to date – awarding 125 grants to help fund projects and equipment to support safe trading and social distancing requirements.
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