Stronger Together in Unprecedented Times

The country and the entire economy is in the grip of the Coronavirus global pandemic. The system is in Lockdown. We may leave our homes only for very limited essential activities. Non essential retailers have been directed to cease trading. Retired NHS staff have been called upon to volunteer to care for the sick and new super hospitals are being constructed to accommodate the inevitable flood of Covid-19 sufferers. Schools have been closed indefinitely leaving parents to home tutor their children. The Bank of England has dropped its base lending rate to 0.1% the lowest rate in history. Business owners are doing all they can to keep their business afloat whilst trying to keep themselves and their families safe from infection. All sporting fixtures have been suspended and major events either cancelled or postponed. Even the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been delayed until July 2021. It is safe to say that we are living in unprecedented times.

The better news is that the government has introduced emergency measures to support businesses and the self employed through a combination of loans, grants, tax concessions, business rates suspensions and the ability to furlough employees. Never before has the future of so many businesses, employees and self employed individuals been so uncertain.

In this time of great uncertainty the Plym Chamber committee is committed to providing all of our members with as much support and advice as possible in these incredibly difficult times. 

We have recently posted on our website news page and on social media links to the latest government advice and some valuable advice from our member companies.

As you know, for the safety of all of our members and to comply with the restrictions currently in force, we have postponed all networking events for the foreseeable future, including our 10th Anniversary Ball which was planned for June … but rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to explore alternative ways to keep all of our members fully engaged and connected with each other and with the wider business community. Watch this space!

In the meantime please look out for our regular posts on social media, follow our accounts and join in discussions and add your own posts and comments. If you have any interesting articles that you would like us to link to our website or social media accounts please get in touch with me or one of the committee members.

But most importantly please keep safe, look after your loved ones and vulnerable and elderly neighbours, wash your hands and follow the other government advice to help stop the spread of the virus. Together we will get back to normality and be stronger for it.

Best wishes

Matt Bryant | Chair