Many businesses across Leicestershire and Rutland were hit hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic across both 2020 and 2021, which was why The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity moved quickly to establish a pilot grant scheme to support ventures in need of crucial funding.
One business to have benefitted from one of the £5,000 grants available to business owners across the county was Giulia Mio Millinery. One of a number of businesses based in the Maker’s Yard on Rutland Street in Leicester’s city centre, owner Giulia Mio delivers bespoke millinery for customers wishing to don something truly unique. The Italian milliner, who trained in cities within her home country before moving to the United Kingdom, has created hats for huge occasions. However, with COVID-19 bringing a close to large gatherings, many of the events that resulted in business for Giulia were put on hold, resulting in a sizable drop in custom.