The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are no exception to the businesses affected by Coronavirus, with all face-to-face events, training and meetings cancelled and all staff now working from home.
However, teams at the Chamber of Commerce have had to, in some cases completely reinvent the way they deliver their services. The introduction of our new online Webinars featuring guest speakers from local experts such as Bishop Fleming, EBC and mfg Solicitors has proven popular with attendees and has seen over 100 guests at one times.
With all the latest developments and the seemingly daily changing environment, the Coronavirus Information Hub has proven useful to Members, with all the latest information on support and guidance available to businesses in order to support them through the crisis. The Information Hub contains information for business on the financial support measures that may be available to them including a full up to date list of all government support available.
Business can also find additional advice and support based on HR and legal advice, insurance, IR35 details, advice for businesses trading internationally, employee support and more.
Together with bi-weekly updates sent to Members in the form of newsletters, each edition with a different theme, The Chamber is looking at different ways it can keep businesses up to date on what they can do to ease the impact that the pandemic is having and the support available.
There are also services at the Chamber that are still up and running, the International Trade team are still available to contact to discuss all matters with businesses including importing and exporting. Our International Trade team are also still providing support to businesses who trade internationally by providing exportation documents to allow businesses to continue operating in the current climate.
As a Member benefit, businesses not only join the network of businesses around the two counties, they are also being represented on a national level in the form of the British Chambers of Commerce. The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce feeds businesses views and opinions directly into the BCC who in turn can represent businesses in Westminster.
Recently the BCC called for government to support staff by contributing 80% of staff wages and also for tax payments to be deferred, it lobbied for these policies to be introduced on the information obtained via regional Chambers who communicate their members opinions on what matters most.
Both of these support measures have now been directly addressed by government and are being implemented to the benefit of businesses across the county. Your opinion is important not only on a local level but also a national level in order to steer what is recommended to the government in terms of the support needed to help businesses effected.
This is why it is more important than ever for local business to contact the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chambers of Commerce and communicate what challenges your business is facing.
Continued support in promoting your business will also still be provided as a service, it is crucial that businesses keep their voices heard and with customers and important stakeholders. Our bi-monthly publication together with our Business Direction Online provide businesses with a platform to continue to shout about their good news and stories which should be something all businesses should also be considering.
We invite all businesses, regardless of size, sector, Member or Non-member to visit our Coronavirus Support Hub for all the latest news, guidance and support available.
Please visit: www.hwchamber.co.uk/support/advice/coronavirus-information/