AN UMBRELLA group designed to help business across Berkshire flourish has pledged to play its part during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVLEP) said that it recognises that Coronavirus is causing significant concern and disruption to businesses of all sizes and will do for the foreseeable future.
It wants to ensure that businesses in Berkshire are able to run as efficiently as possible and remain productive.
As part of this, it has established a Covid-19 Task & Finish Group of key stakeholders – including the Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub, Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, the CBI and local authorities – to work collaboratively to ensure businesses are kept up-to- date with developments.
They will also have access to finance available and are provided with as much support as we are able to.
TVLEP is also working with the Southern LEPs and London LEP in sharing best practice and intelligence.
The Business Growth Hub – berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk – is working with these partners across the LEP area to provide guidance and support via a daily updated service on its website.
Martin Hall, Growth Hub manager, said: “We want businesses to know that whatever sector they are in and regardless of whether they are a sole trader, an SME or scale-up company, that there is support available.
“Before making any decisions about your business please visit the Berkshire Business Growth Hub website which continues to be updated with the latest government advice as well as information on the local and national support available.
“In addition, our business advisers can provide further advice via email, telephone or video conferencing – details of which can be found on our website.”
Alison Webster, CEO for Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said: “At a time where difficult decisions are having to be made, it is more important than ever to work together and be a collective voice.
“As a business-led partnership, which brings together both private and public sector organisations, we want to work with you to help our area respond.
“Businesses are hearing from Government about the help available to them, but we want to ensure, at a local level, that everyone has access to the information which applies to them and that the process of acquiring that help is as straightforward and streamlined as possible.
“To feedback your businesses needs and give your views please email the Business Growth Hub at info@berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk”
