As the roadmap for easing Covid restrictions in England is published, 25 micro-businesses in the Moorlands are being offered a year's free membership to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to help them plan for the future.

The offer, worth £183 per business, is being jointly funded by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Staffordshire County Council and will enable the successful businesses to access a wide range of support including legal and tax advice and a discounted workplace pensions scheme.

It's open to any local business that is not already a member of the FSB and has between one and four employees not including the owner/director.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the District Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Businesses across the Moorlands have shown determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and we want to support them as we look towards the coming months and to the slow and safe re-opening of our towns and villages.

"We know that help and support is vital to businesses as they navigate the next stages so I'm delighted that, together with the County Council, we're able to offer some of our micro-business this one-year free membership and access to all the expert guidance that will bring.

"We're making this offer to 25 Moorlands businesses and it's on a first come first served basis so if you think this would benefit you, please don't delay contacting us by completing the application form on our website."

For more information, and to apply, click here.

The council works with a range of local partnership organisations such as the FSB, the Chamber of Commerce and Business Innovation Centre to assist entrepreneurs to get the support they need.

The Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub offers a telephone helpline and can refer businesses to free, expert advisors who can help them grow their business. Call 0300 111 8002 for more information.