FSB Hold MP Roundtable to discuss Coronavirus impact

The FSB in Warwickshire and Coventry has held a virtual roundtable with Colleen Fletcher MP (Coventry North East) to discuss the impact of coronavirus and support measures available to businesses.

A number of FSB members joined the meeting where a wide range of issues were discussed including problems with the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme where loan finance was not being made available, concerns over the amount of time it is taking to implement support schemes for those who are self-employed, and concerns over internet connectivity to allow more people and businesses to work from home.

Rich Bishop, FSB West Midlands Regional Chair said “It was a very useful call with Colleen Fletcher MP on what is an incredibly challenging situation for everyone. We covered a lot of ground and the FSB in Coventry and Warwickshire is grateful for the opportunity to feed into policy makers at a local and national level. It was clear from the discussion that while small businesses welcome the measures from Government it is vital that schemes announced are rolled out as quickly and effectively as possible. We will continue to engage with our MPs to provide feedback from the local business community which is key to protecting jobs and future growth”.

Colleen Fletcher MP said “The support that the Government has put in place to support SMEs has been widely welcomed but given that these schemes had to be put in place in such a short amount of time there are, of course, going to be gaps in the provision they have announced. As a result, I want to work closely with the local business community to ensure that delays, gaps or errors are addressed and rectified as quickly as possible.”

She added, “I have been impressed by the level of support that the FSB has been providing to its members and how in tune they are with the needs of local businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire. This is a really tough time for business and there is a long road to recovery but with the support and advocacy of organisations such as the FSB, that journey to recovery will be made a little bit easier.”