Website to offer support to West Midlands businesses
A dedicated website has been set up to offer coronavirus advice to businesses in the West Midlands.
The Covid-19 Business Support site will provide up-to-date advice on how to deal with the pandemic – and showcase what financial support is available.
It has been set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in response to feedback from the Covid-19 Economic Impact Group.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is holding virtual weekly meetings of the group to ensure support reaches businesses without delay.
Mr Street said: "Given the wide range of information coming from various sources, we felt it was vital that local businesses had a dedicated resource that pulled together the latest information on Covid-19 and provided useful links for further help and advice.
"The Government has moved fast to provide support for businesses in the face of this unprecedented challenge and that support will enable West Midlands companies to stay in business and retain workers during this crisis.
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"But it’s important that companies can access that support quickly and easily and this website is designed to help them do that.
"We will update the site as new information and support becomes available, especially for the region’s self-employed who are such an important part of our economy.
"These are incredibly tough times for all of us, but the help and support outlined on the website can help make sure businesses bounce back quickly and robustly."
The Covid-19 Economic Impact Group, which has been meeting weekly since March 4, has more than 35 members.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and WMCA portfolio holder for economy and innovation, added: “I would in particular encourage SMEs to take advantage of this new website.
“SMEs are a vital part of our regional economy and this is especially true in Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
"The Government support already announced is welcome and will help provide some breathing space but we all need play our part in supporting such businesses.
“We know that cash flow is a real issue for SMEs so we can all help by ensuring prompt payment to these businesses."
Businesses can access the new website by visiting beta.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/covid-19-support/business-support
Organisations that would like to join the group can email CoronavirusResponse@wmca.org.uk
