An action plan for the Government and local stakeholders to support businesses through covid-19 and Brexit has been published by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
Called ‘Keep Business Moving: A GBCC Action Plan’, the report explores how the UK’s pending departure from the EU and the coronavirus pandemic are impacting West Midlands firms and what can be done about it.
The action plan for the national government includes measures to significantly increase the grant, match funding and interest-free loans available to businesses impacted by covid-19.
It also addresses the gaps which exist in support for businesses, steps to relieve pressure through VAT reliefs and deferral and access to finance.
The Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards are back for a second year, in partnership with the Ladder for Greater Birmingham. The event will be held online only on Friday November 27, 2020 and will celebrate apprentices, employers and training and education providers.
The deadline to enter has now passed but sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you have any questions about the awards in general, please email [email protected] and contact [email protected] if you would like to learn more about becoming a commercial partner of the awards.
For more information visit our events website here and please follow the hashtag #BAA20 for updates on social media.
Key proposals for local stakeholders include maximising every penny spent by renewed approaches to engaging local businesses, charities and social enterprises in local procurement and supply chains.
The report is also calling for work for business organisations on the ground to secure the future of city centres and high streets and deliver tangible economic, social and environmental benefits from the opportunities created by HS2 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “The time for reactive measures and playing catch up on business support is over – businesses need a clear way ahead to help them plan through to 2021 and beyond.
“Now, more than ever, local and national stakeholders must work together with the business community to plan for and control what they can in order to leave the capacity needed to react and adapt to that which they can’t.
“With this publication we set out a clear proposal for the primary areas that businesses have told us need urgent, and longer term, action.
“We recognise and greatly value the unprecedented support offered so far but it is essential that it continues to keep pace with the needs of businesses.
“We look forward to building on our recent lobbying work and collaboration with cross-party local politicians and stakeholders to continue to bang the drum for our members.”
