More than 80 Rutland and Melton businesses have received backing from the government-owned British Business Bank.

Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has welcomed the announcement that the bank has issued its 75,000th loan through its Start Up Loans programme since 2012.

Government figures say in Rutland and Melton that 82 loans have been made so far to small businesses and entrepreneurs, totalling £794,723.

The MP says this means hundreds of people have benefitted from UK Government backed support when they may otherwise have struggled to access it.

Mrs Kearns said: " Small businesses in Rutland and Melton are the backbone of our local economy, and this Government has long been committed to giving them the support they need to flourish and thrive."

"As we build Britain back better in the months ahead, I will continue to work to give our local entrepreneurs and innovators all the support they need to keep them in businesses so they can create and protect jobs."

Details of L] https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ [L+] the bank can be found here.[.L]