The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 48: April/May 2020 | Page 10

SWLEP
SWLEP
New Growth Hub
manager
CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT
A statement from Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership
Director, Paddy Bradley.
COVID-19 and its spread is affecting each of us. During times of crisis, decision
making can only be made with knowledge and evidence, so the Swindon &
Wiltshire Growth Hub’s top priority is ensuring timely guidance and reliable
information reaches local SMEs. We also recognise that local businesses will
be concerned about the effect it will have on their livelihood through reduced
demand, potential disruptions to supply chains and export markets and to their
workforce during this temporary period.
To safeguard the vulnerable and to care for the ill requires a coordinated
response and all of our buy in. We wanted to highlight some of the ways we’re all
working together to help local businesses during this difficult period.
The Growth Hub has launched a COVID-19 support page where all the latest
news, announcements and advice can be found. This is the first port of call
for local business and contains national news updates. If you haven’t already,
we ask that you register for free with the Growth Hub to keep up to date with
announcements and advice. Please also share this message with family, friends
and other members of the business community who are worried about this crisis.
The Budget announced a £12bn plan to provide support for public services,
individuals and businesses whose finances are affected by COVID-19. For
individuals this includes extending Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for those advised to
self-isolate, and those caring for others who self-isolate. Support through the
welfare system for those who cannot claim SSP, and a separate hardship fund,
have also been announced.
Finally, the Government will support businesses that experience increased
costs or disruptions to their cash flow. This includes expanded Business Rates
reliefs, a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support up to a
further £1bn lending to SMEs, a £2.2bn grant scheme for small businesses, and a
dedicated helpline for those who need a deferral period on their tax liabilities.
There is no mistaking the challenges we face at this moment. Working
together we can rise to meet these challenges.
To get the latest information go to: growthhub.swlep.co.uk
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www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
Chris Stevens has been announced as the new Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub
Manager. Following a rigorous recruitment process, Chris was selected to fulfil
the role following the retirement of previous Growth Hub Manager, Jo Minnaar.
Set up in 2016, the Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub is designed to offer
information, advice, guidance and signposting businesses to the most appropriate
and effective support available. Help is available digitally through its online portal
and through face-to-face support.
Commenting on his new appointment, Chris said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the
Growth Hub team, the front door to business support in the area.
“My role is to help to take the Growth Hub to the next level by looking at how we
can tackle the big challenges faced by local business. There is huge scope for the
Growth Hub to solve the complex issues faced by businesses today as well as taking
a proactive approach to future opportunities.”
Paddy Bradley, Director of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership
said, “The addition of someone with Chris’s level of expertise is another example
of our unrelenting commitment to the highest level of business support offered by
the Growth Hub. His arrival is a clear reflection of our plans to make Swindon and
Wiltshire the home for business success.
“Appointments such as this one are vital as we look to broaden our capability,
build successful relationships and deliver across multiple local sectors. We are
delighted to have Chris on board to help achieve our shared goals.”
Register your business with the Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub for FREE by
visiting: growthhub.swlep.co.uk/register. Everyone signed up receives a free
listing in its online business directory as well as access to news, business support
information and upcoming events.