England’s heritage construction sector generates an estimated £7.1bn in GVA to the economy.
It employs 100,000 construction workers (including specialised craftspeople) and 24,000 architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, who are vital for the maintenance and continued enjoyment of England’s heritage.
Historic England carried out a survey of heritage organisations which revealed the serious impact of Covid-19 on small organisations.
Eight out of 10 respondents reported a loss in business in the short term, while 59% had been forced to postpone or cancel income-generating events.
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Historic England is inviting applications for the grants – which go up to £25,000 – from heritage organisations, self-employed contractors and third-sector organisations that are severely affected by Covid-19 and who need emergency financial support.
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: “We know that Coronavirus has hit everyone hard, including the heritage sector, and that there are many individuals and organisations that are really struggling for survival at the moment.
“Many of the skills that are needed to protect our heritage are already in desperately short supply and if these skilled specialists go out of business during this difficult time, the hard truth is that some of our heritage will be lost forever.”
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