Coronavirus: ‘Voice in Parliament’ for Peterborough businesses in lockdown

A ‘town hall’ style online forum will be held tomorrow (Friday) for business leaders to talk directly to Peterborough MP Paul Bristow ahead of the month-long second Covid shut down.

Owners and managers will be able to discuss what measures government has in place, and what else needs to be implemented to ensure local businesses and the economy survive a second lockdown.

The event is being hosted by economic development company Opportunity Peterborough.

Mr Bristow said: “We need to act quickly so that Peterborough’s businesses get the right support from government.

“While this lockdown aims to reduce the spread of coronavirus, it’s vital we support the economy.

“Several schemes are being extended but I want this event to give businesses a voice in parliament.

“I want to use business’ feedback to affect change at regional and national levels so they receive the support they need to make it through this lockdown, adapt to new ways of working, and come out of lockdown stronger than before.”

During the meeting, attendees will receive an update on the support measures the government is putting in place to support businesses.

But businesses and other organisations are also being urged to speak with Mr Bristow who says he will feed back what additional support businesses need directly to government.

Following the lockdown announcement, the government is extending several national grants and loan schemes, including the Furlough Scheme, Self-Employment Support Scheme, and the Local Restrictions Support Grant.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “A second lockdown is frustrating, especially as Peterborough’s high street was recovering well.

“There have been extensions to many government support measures, but it’s important that businesses can voice how effective these are, and what more needs to be done so our economy can recover as quickly as possible.

“It is some consolation that the lockdown will not shut down as much of the economy as before, with construction and manufacturing permitted, and businesses allowed to maintain income with takeaway and click-and-collect services.

“Businesses have had to adapt quickly but we need the economy to remain open so that people’s earning power, and productivity, is restored.”

The event will run online between 10am and 11am on November 6

Registration is required and attendance is free of charge: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j8mQ-ZaoQwWzl52ijXCPXQ

Full event details and sign-up information can be found at www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk