New action to jump-start Peterborough economy after Covid-19

Officials at economic development company Opportunity Peterborough and Peterborough City Council want businesses to complete a short survey to help identify the gaps in support from national and local organisations.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “We are at a critical juncture – we’re over the peak and we need to get the right support in place to support the economic recovery as lockdown is eased.

“To give the city the best chances for recovery we need businesses to share what support they need.”

Councillor David Seaton, the council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “Peterborough has a robust economy, but Covid-19 has presented an unprecedented set of challenges. By sharing the issues and opportunities they are facing, businesses will give the city the best chance for recovery as we can put the right support in place at the earliest opportunity.”

The survey is open until May 15 and can be found by visiting: http://bit.ly/35CNqOz

Mr Hennessy added: “We have been contacting members of our Bondholder Network to understand the impact on their businesses, but we also want to take account of the needs of businesses right across the city.

“Peterborough has a diverse economy and although there will be shared challenges among businesses, we also need to meet support needs to address nuances in, supply chains, knowledge sharing and sector specific challenges.”

Mark Broadhead, Chair of Peterborough Positive, said: “Many businesses in the city centre are already adapting to lockdown, but it’s really important there is a safety net to support businesses facing the tough challenges ahead.

“We have begun discussions around what measures will be needed to protect visitors and staff as and when lockdown measures are lifted, but we also need to identify where government or council intervention may be needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.

“Additional support around things like operations, marketing and finance are also needed and the more information businesses can provide on what information and advice they need, the better chance we have of reinvigorating the economy.”