South Cheshire Chamber supports firms during COVID-19 pandemic

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is lobbying Ministers to provide information on essential support packages available to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

The Chamber, working with the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), is circulating links, information and web updates through an e-newsletter and emails to its member businesses.

Now it is seeking feedback from South Cheshire businesses on any issues they may have experienced on accessing support so this can be fed back to the Government through the BCC.

Meanwhile the Chamber, which is supported by many of the area’s largest employers as patrons, is looking at new ways of keeping businesses connected including online networking.

Its schedule of networking events including lunches and gatherings at local business premises is postponed in line with national lock-down but many members have kept up their communication with emails and phone calls.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “The Chamber prides itself on supporting our local business community through representation, providing information and facilitating activity.

“There hasn’t been a more important time for Chambers to support their local business communities.

“As a member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited network, our Chamber has been able to feedback the issues affecting our businesses to Government, and this lobbying has seen the introduction of the business support packages including the grant scheme, interruption loans and the job retention scheme.

“While the business support packages introduced should be commended, there are of course nuances and problems with the roll out and specific details.

“I would therefore welcome any feedback on any issues member businesses may have experienced in accessing the packages or any potential issues with the schemes.

“We’d also like to hear of any other issues effecting business at this time. I will pass this on the BCC to feedback to Government.”

Latest communications from the Chamber include advice on working from home, news on the Job Retention Scheme and furloughing.

Mr Colman added: “These are extraordinary times but the resilience of South Cheshire business has seen us through recession and we have been heartened to hear of how members have given advice and moral support to each other.

“We are fully confident they will bounce back better and stronger than ever.”

For the latest Government information and additional help and support for businesses go to www.sccci.co.uk and follow the link to Covid 19 update.