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On Friday 6 November, Opportunity Peterborough will be hosting an online, open forum for local businesses to speak directly with MP for Peterborough, Paul Bristow, to discuss what measures government has in place, and what else needs to be implemented to ensure local businesses and the economy survive a second lockdown.
The town hall style event has been organised urgently following the recent announcement that England would go into a national lockdown from 5 November.
Attendees will receive an update on the support measures the government is putting in place to support businesses, but the event will also enable local organisations to speak with Mr Bristow who will feed back what additional support businesses need directly to government.
Following the lockdown announcement, the government is extending several national grants and loan schemes, including the Furlough Scheme, Self-Employment Support Scheme, and the Local Restrictions Support Grant.
Mr Bristow said, “We need to act quickly so that Peterborough’s businesses get the right support from government. While this lockdown aims to reduce the spread of coronavirus, it’s vital we support the economy.
“Several schemes are being extended but I want this event to give businesses a voice in parliament. I want to use business’ feedback to affect change at regional and national levels so they receive the support they need to make it through this lockdown, adapt to new ways of working, and come out of lockdown stronger than before.
Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough added, “A second lockdown is frustrating, especially as Peterborough’s high street was recovering well.
“There have been extensions to many government support measures, but it’s important that businesses can voice how effective these are, and what more needs to be done so our economy can recover as quickly as possible.
“It is some consolation that the lockdown will not shut down as much of the economy as before, with construction and manufacturing permitted, and businesses allowed to maintain income with takeaway and click-and-collect services. Businesses have had to adapt quickly but we need the economy to remain open so that people’s earning power, and productivity, is restored.”
The event will run online 10.00am – 11.00am on Friday 6 November.