The Daily Mail and sister newspapers including The Metro and the i have announced a £3m fund to support local businesses with free advertising.
The campaign has been welcomed by the Government’s small business minister Paul Scully.
The initiative is in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and will see 3,000 firms receive £3,000-worth of free advertising.
Small business minister Paul Scully last night welcomed the move by the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT). He said: ‘Small business owners across the country are facing challenges on a scale not seen before in most of our lifetimes, which is why the Government has put together a far-reaching package of financial support.
‘We all have a crucial role to play in helping businesses through this difficult time to get the economy back on its feet, which is why it’s brilliant to see initiatives like this from the Mail Group that will make a real difference.’
The adverts will appear across DMGT’s four print titles, including the Daily Mail and Mail Online, with additional online space on the Mail Online and Metro websites.
Mike Cherry, national chairman of the FSB, said: ‘This is a fantastic scheme and we’re delighted to see the Mail getting behind the UK’s 5.8million small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.’
He added: ‘It’s going to be a challenge for businesses to attract new customers when the lockdown is eased, and they have a tough road ahead of them. They will need to think outside the box when it comes to marketing their business and products slightly differently, but many will struggle to find the funds to do this. That is why we’re grateful the Mail is doing its bit to offer support during these challenging, unprecedented times.’
The scheme is open to businesses that have been established for more than six months, employ fewer than 150 employees, and have a turnover of less than £6million a year.
Applications can be made via the FSB from Wednesday May 13. Applicants will have to explain how the fund would help their business.
