Chamber calls for more support for firms in light of new Covid-19 restrictions
Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire say firms will need more support after the Government announced new Covid-19 restrictions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a blanket close on pubs and restaurants at 10pm and that a return to small business events on October 1 would not go ahead.
He also stated that those office staff who can work from home should do so but reiterated that industries such as retail, construction and manufacturing should continue to operate while following Covid-19 guidance.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Firms across the patch have done an incredible job over the past six months of adapting to the crisis, taking in changing information and guidance, and working as hard as they possibly can to survive.
“As businesses, we understand that we have a massive part to play in slowing the spread of the virus again and we are urging companies to follow the guidance but, where possible, to continue trading as much as possible.
“In some sectors, that’s just not possible and this is another really tough blow to our events and conference businesses which are so important to Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It’s absolutely vital that, in the coming days, we see a new support package announced to help businesses through this next phase of the crisis which, by the PM’s own admission, could last six months.
“We have to ensure that those businesses who have managed to survive the crisis so far are given all of the help they need to make sure they come out the other side.
“As ever, companies can call upon the trusted and long-standing support of the Chamber for any help, guidance or information they need and, also, report their own individual issues that we can then feedback to Government.”
Adam Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce Director General, said: “Businesses understand that further restrictions are necessary to tackle the rising number of Coronavirus cases, but these measures will impact business and consumer confidence at a delicate time for the economy.
"Businesses, their employees and customers need to see a clear road map for the existing restrictions and those that may be introduced in the future. This must include transparent trigger points, and clarity about the support available to protect jobs and livelihoods.
“The government should waste no time in setting out a comprehensive support package for firms forced to close or reduce capacity through no fault of their own.”
