Featured News
Buy and Eat Local campaign off to a flying start as businesses respond in force
"The response from retailers to our campaign has been fantastic. We have a wonderful range of footage from our local independents who are working hard to welcome back customers safely, as we start to recover from this challenging time"
More than 120 retailers and food establishments from across the region have contributed to a suite of videos to promote our town centres as part of Warwickshire County Council’s new ‘Buy and Eat Local’ campaign.
The campaign’s message to the residents of Warwickshire is clear – show your local high street some love! Whether we purchase in person, or from the comfort of our sofa doesn’t matter, what’s important is we support our local high streets.
If we all spent just £5 per week in Warwickshire, it would be worth approximately an extra £122 million annually to the local economy and provide a much needed boost for our local independents.
Firms have created short video clips showing how their businesses are ready to safely welcome back customers as our towns start to reopen.
The County Council is busy creating a series of videos, and is working with the Business Improvement Districts and partner authorities in the towns, to share the films and promote our local independents.
The first film is a Warwickshire-wide video featuring businesses from across the region – you can see it here: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/buyeatlocal
This film is being followed by a roll-out of town specific videos during the coming weeks, as towns start to adapt to the new post-lockdown ways of working.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council said: “The response from retailers to our campaign has been fantastic. We have a wonderful range of footage from our local independents who are working hard to welcome back customers safely, as we start to recover from this challenging time.
"Our businesses are reaching out to customers in every way possible and, with our partners in the towns and elsewhere, we are supporting this collective effort in as many ways as we can – the Buy and Eat Local campaign is one of them. We hope everyone will show extra support to our fabulous local independents, who need our support now, more than ever.”
For more information on the campaign, please visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/buyeatlocal
Plans drawn up to stimulate and sustain economic recovery
“We have learnt a huge amount during these difficult months that we will draw on as we move forwards"
Warwickshire County Council has set out a series of wide-ranging recovery plans to help the county's ecomony bounce back from the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.
The council has agreed a joint recovery vision statement with its key partners to guide a collective approach to recovery across Warwickshire.
In June, the Cabinet approved three reports on a range of impacts of the Pandemic:
Economic Recovery: looking at opportunities to build on the strong local economy and mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on large companies and smaller local businesses and employment, particularly in the tourism sector. Cabinet has approved a £2.5m increase in the Place Shaping and Capital Feasibility Investment Fund to support immediate economic recovery work.
Recovery and Reform: setting out a framework for the reinstatement of Council services and longer-term recovery plan and change programme to address the impacts of the Pandemic and new ways of working the emergency has necessitated.
Place shaping: detailing plans to improve Warwickshire as a place to live and work through long-term regeneration, investment in infrastructure and actions to support the county’s objectives for economic growth, climate change, health and well-being, and the voluntary and community sector.
Four member-led, cross-party working groups will now shape final recovery plans which will be presented to Cabinet in September. These plans will cover place, economy and climate; health and well-being and social care; community; and organisation.
Heralding the wide-ranging recovery plans approved by Cabinet, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: “As Government announces plans that will see the country begin to take further steps out of lockdown, Warwickshire County Council and its partners are on the front foot with our plans for a strong recovery.
“We have learnt a huge amount during these difficult months that we will draw on as we move forwards. We have embedded new ways of working and delivered services in new and innovative ways. We will accelerate our focus on getting our economy moving again and supporting communities and individuals who need our help.
“I am confident that these reports will allow us to work with our citizens, communities, businesses and partners to bounce back with refreshed plans to deliver our existing vision to make Warwickshire the best it can be, sustainable now and for future generations.”
SJE established and growing following business support
"We spoke to Sim and Jag and then to Kieran at Coventry and they have all been brilliant. The grants and advice we have received have been invaluable"
A small engineering company is settled in brand new premises and looking to grow after weathering the Coronavirus crisis thanks to business support from two councils.
Steve and Tara Edmunds set up SJE Engineering in March. Armed with long experience in the relevant sector they were confident they would make a go of it, but just needed some advice on how to make the leap.
That leap, always a big one, was further complicated by lockdown, but the business is now up and running, and has started strongly, following support from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council.
Steve and Tara spoke to businesses advisors Sim Lee and Jagdish Soor at Warwickshire County Council. They engaged them on the Warwickshire Business Support Programme and helped with registering the company, insurances, pricing and negotiating the lease.
Most importantly, they advised on potential funding for the new business and this included putting them in touch with Kierandeep Bal, business development advisor at Coventry City Council. This led to the securing of a £9,000 grant towards the purchase of two new CNC machines which are now installed.
"We were confident that we knew how to the run a business," said Steve. "We just didn't know how to start a business.
"The bank suggested that we get in touch with Warwickshire County Council so we did that and spoke to Sim and Jag and then to Kieran at Coventry and they have all been brilliant. The grants and advice we have received have been invaluable.
"There was a delay at one stage during lockdown when the grants were put on hold, but then Sim called me one Tuesday so say they were coming back on line. I said 'that's great, but we've got to put the deposit down by Friday!' He said 'let's see what we can do'...and contacted Kieran and they got the grant through in a matter of days which was massive for us.
"It was so frustrating at the start because we were all ready to take the plunge, and then Coronavirus hit. The unit was ready and spotless and ready to go and then came lockdown, but now we are up and running with plenty of customers and will be looking to recruit.
"We will take on somebody by the end of the year and then another person next year. I'm looking forward to that because part of my job has always been training people and it's something I really enjoy. I always look for the right attitude in a person - you can have the best CV in the world but it's the right attitude that will bring success."
* The advice for the company was delivered as part of the “CW Business – Start, Grow and Scale” project which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Warwickshire County Council. The grant is funded as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part-funded by ERDF.
Participants and NHS benefit from Community Grant
"If I keep going with the project, it stops the feeling of nothing to do and getting into depressed cycle"
A project supported by a European Social Fund Community Grant has created a ‘Garden of Wellbeing’ at Stratford Hospital.
The Forest of Hearts' Grow Now project saw participants nurture the sensory and edible plants for 12 raised beds that produce fresh food for the hospital wellbeing hub cafe.
The programme included volunteering and work placement opportunities, skills training, one-to-one coaching and support and advice and guidance for people on routes to employment and other learning opportunities.
The project provided a team of regular volunteers to look after the Garden of Wellbeing and offer regular gardening support to help the hospital to sow and grow its own fruit, vegetables and herbs, thereby providing practical support to the NHS.
Of the 12 people that completed the project, two have gone on to full-time employment, one as a chef and the other in financial services. Four participants are in the process of setting up their own businesses, two as photographers, one delivering cooking courses and one as a freelance podcast creator. Four participants are moving on to gain further horticulture qualifications.
One of the participants said that involvement in the project had been hugely beneficial to him.
"Getting out every day, mixing with others, losing weight has helped with depression," he said. "If I keep going with the project, it stops the feeling of nothing to do and getting into depressed cycle.
"My back issues have now sorted itself and my mental and physical wellbeing has improved. I struggled to walk to the centre before but now I can easily walk here from home. As a carer I can get out of the house and now my wife can get out the house and join in with the project.”
* Warwickshire County Council supports ESF Community Grants by having a representative on the Steering Group and Grants Panel.
Rural business rise to Covid-19 challenges by showing great innovation
“Rural businesses mitigated the impact of Covid-19 by closing their premises, working from home where possible and halting non urgent payments or cancelling direct debits"
Forward-thinking rural businesses are showing their innovative expertise and exploring new markets, a new in-depth survey has revealed.
The data was collected by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub, the Warwickshire Rural Hub – a business support organisation which is led by farm and rural businesses across Warwickshire and Solihull – and Warwickshire County Council which targeted around 1,300 businesses.
It showed 69 per cent are undertaking innovation in their business and 58 per cent are exploring new markets.
The results were included in the latest CWLEP Growth Hub SmartRegion report (June 9-22) which also gathered information from the CWLEP’s business engagements and survey data, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the Federation of Small Businesses and the National Farmers Union.
The survey also showed that the top three areas of requested support were for financial support and advice, easy to access information and access to insurance advice. These were closely followed by links into local businesses, support with succession planning and help with mental health and wellbeing.
The top three areas for how Covid-19 has impacted rural businesses were loss of income, a complete halt to trading and closure of usual trading premises. Other areas of concern were reduced access to customers abroad and in the UK and less productivity.
A third of the Growth Hub’s business engagements since March have been with businesses based in rural postcodes with most working in manufacturing, ranging from food and drink to traditional craft including carpentry and weaving.
Other rural businesses that have been supported were operating in retail and wholesale industries as well as the strong tourism and leisure business base.
Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said despite challenges, rural businesses had shown adaptability and resilience throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The results of the survey have shone a positive light on the rural sector as respondents to the rural survey and businesses that were supported by the Growth Hub have shown they have remained resilient and adaptable even during the lockdown period ,” he said.
“Rural businesses mitigated the impact of Covid-19 by closing their premises, working from home where possible and halting non urgent payments or cancelling direct debits.
“While retail businesses have started to open, the rural accommodation and food industry is more hesitant to open up and has been awaiting further guidance. Recent changes to the rules that will enable some of those businesses to open up again on July 4 will be welcomed across our region’s rural business base.
“Businesses are faced with a lack of clarity around regulations but also with the uncertainty around the visitor economy and consumer confidence in general.
“Rural businesses have been most affected by decreased sales and bookings and cash flow issues. With a large amount of accommodation, and food and leisure businesses, the restrictions on business travel and events cancellations have also had a severe impact.”
Mr Humphrey said rural businesses had expressed concern about other potential problems in the future.
He said: “Businesses have stated that there are still other factors that pose threats to their business, including the EU-exit and environmental factors such as the winter floods experienced across the county that are having an ongoing impact on businesses.
“On the other hand, there is a general sense that businesses in the rural sector have been very adaptable and innovative.
“This included food businesses and cafes refocusing to offer takeaway and delivery services or supporting community projects. Likewise, the rural manufacturing industry has stepped up to support with the manufacture of PPE when it was most needed.”
Dave Ayton-Hill, Assistant Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The County Council was pleased to support this survey. The farming and agricultural sector plays a huge role in making Warwickshire the rural, green and attractive location that underpins and supports our wider economic base and particularly our tourism offer.
“The rural sector already faced new challenges and opportunities following Brexit as well as growth potential through the development and utilisation of innovative new technologies. But Covid-19 has brought new challenges. This survey will be used by the County Council and other partners to direct support for rural businesses as they deal with the impacts of Covid-19.
“We also hope there will be new opportunities. Local food and drink for example is growing in popularity and will play a key role as well reducing food miles and supporting our collective desire to reduce the carbon footprint of Warwickshire’s economy.”
Guidance and support available as businesses in tourism sector reopen their doors
"We have a vibrant and resilient tourism sector here in Warwickshire which gives us the best possible chance of seeing the industry bounce back strongly in the second half of the year”
Warwickshire County Council is working hard with the Districts and Boroughs and other partners to help businesses in the tourism sector to be fully equipped for reopening after lockdown.
Most sectors of the visitor economy will reopen on July 4th, provided they adhere to the necessary Health & Safety and social distancing criteria.
It is vital that businesses observe all the legislation in place to protect themselves and their customers and, to assist them to do that, there is a lot of helpful information available.
A dedicated page on the national tourist board site offers advice to all segments of the tourism industry on getting ready to reopen.
The national tourist boards have just announced the launch of an industry standard and consumer "marque" to boost visitor confidence. Businesses will be able to sign up online and use the marque once they meet the standard. For more details, please visit: "We're Good to Go"
Alex Holmes, Visitor Economy Manager for WCC, said: “Tourism operators have been calling for an industry standard to reassure visitors, so this is great news. There’s a lot of invaluable information online to help businesses reopen safely and we’d urge them to make full use of it.
"We have a vibrant and resilient tourism sector here in Warwickshire which gives us the best possible chance of seeing the industry bounce back strongly in the second half of the year”.
The Government has also published guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows and guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars.
Full information and guidance for all businesses can be found at Warwickshire County Council's main Coronavirus business support page.
Successful webinar for Hospitality Sector businesses still available on Youtube
Business in the hospitality sector benefited from an information webinar delivered by Warwickshire County Council and its district and borough partners ahead of reopening on July 4.
Previous webinars had included retail and personal care, but this one focused on hospitality including pubs, hotels, cafes and other businesses with licenced premises.
The event COVID Secure - Hospitality and Licenced Premises Reopening - Information and Q&A Webinar with Warwickshire County Council and Partners - was held on on July 1st and was widely promoted via the hospitality sector, BIDs, Chamber of Commerce and CW Growth Hub.
Those logging in to participate included pub landlords and supply chain businesses such as those in security and cleaning.
During the event, topics discussed included preparation and planning, roles and responsibilities, external seating, PPE use, social distancing, cutlery, and the Test and Trace process.A recording of the event can be viewed here.
The Q&A panel was a mix of local regulatory and public safety experts from Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Public Health, Town Centres, Fire and Police and the local authorities. We are grateful to partners for helping us to promote this event.
Further information for businesses operating safely during the pandemic can be found on our dedicated business page.
Increased support for armed forced personnel from WCC
Warwickshire County Council has increased the support available to staff-members who are current or future employees of the Armed Forces.
The Council, which signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, is improving its status as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation as part of its wider People Vision.
The following improvements are now in place:
- Up to 10 days’ paid leave per year for the annual camp or other training specific to their Reserve or Adult Cadet Instructor role
- Up to 10 days’ unpaid leave in total within a three-year period, and each successive three-year period thereafter, for additional specialist training to enhance their role or for progression within the Reserve or Cadet Forces.
- The Council will give an interview under its Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS), where the essential criteria for a post are met, to external candidates who are:
- Serving Armed Forces personnel during the 12 weeks prior to their discharge date from the Armed Forces;
- Ex-Armed Forces personnel within three years of their discharge date; or
- Where the Armed Forces were their last long-term employer.
The Council will offer two-four weeks' unpaid work experience placements for those who are leaving the Armed Forces, and welcome interest from those who are Wounded, Injured, or Sick (WIS).
The increased support comes after it was estimated that 7,000 veterans in Warwickshire, who are of working age, are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their civilian contemporaries (The Royal British Legion, A UK Household Survey of the ex-Service community). The Legion’s Household Survey also reported that veterans who have served for fewer than three years are less likely to be in full time work compared to the average for all veterans.
Female veterans are also significantly less likely to be in employment and there is a higher chance that they will be economically inactive in comparison to the statistics for the female population in general (Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2012 Skills and Employment Survey).
Considering these statistics, WCC is determined to reduce the current employment disadvantages for members of the Armed Forces community in Warwickshire.
"We are proud to be leading the way in the public sector in Warwickshire by being an Armed Forces-friendly employer," said Warwickshire County Council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe.
"We want members of our Armed Forces community to be at the heart of the Council by recognising the huge breadth of transferable skills they acquire through their role in the Regulars, Reserves or as Cadet Force Instructors.
"We hope that, through the changes and support available, members of the Armed Forces community can have the opportunity to make a real impact working here."
Katie Jane Brown, an armed forces reservist who works at WCC as a Planned Works Delivery Technician said: “I have worked with the Army Cadets for the last five years supporting and delivering training camps because I am passionate about helping younger generations. In the past, I have used nearly half of my annual leave to support these camps and attend training courses.
“The new changes in place will make a huge difference in supporting me in my role in the Army Cadets.”
For more information about support for the Armed Forces Covenant community, please visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/armedforces
Free webinars will explain HS2 supply chain opportunities for SMEs
Business looking to become involved in the HS2 supply chain can get all the information they need from a series of webinars through to mid-August.
The webinars, delivered by HS2's Business Engagement team, are designed to help local businesses navigate the HS2 supply chain and fully understand what HS2 is looking for from suppliers.
Phase One of High Speed Two has been given Notice to Proceed by the Government, a major step forward for the project that will bring an estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities for UK businesses for this phase alone. Around two thirds of these businesses are expected to be small and medium sized.
In the weekly webinars, at 11-11.45am every Wednesday until August 12, a range of subjects will he explored, including bidding and competing for work on HS2 and skills and environmental issues.
At each event, attendees will hear from a different expert speaker, and be able to take part in a Q&A session. These webinar sessions - ‘Work With Us Wednesday’ - are free of charge and available to anyone who wishes to learn more about these opportunities.
For a full list of the webinars coming up, and to register to attend, please visiting the dedicated HS2 events page: www.hs2.org.uk/events/work-with-us-wednesdays/
To let HS2 know about your business, please visit www.hs2.org.uk/local-business, or contact the HS2 Business Engagement Team on either localbusiness@hs2.org.uk or 07407 279 116.
To see live contract opportunities related to the project register at www.competefor.com/hs2
Major improvement package for Leamington ahead of 2022 Games
Courts at a much-loved tennis club in Royal Leamington Spa are to be improved in the countdown to the town hosting the Lawn and Para Bowls for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Warwick District Council has been allocated £1,598,254 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) ahead of Victoria Park’s role as an official venue to support the delivery of the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls during the international event.
As part of the package of infrastructure improvements, work has begun on re-surfacing three of the floodlit tennis courts at Victoria Park which is scheduled to be completed this autumn.
Five courts at Victoria Park will remain open throughout the work along with courts at Christchurch Gardens, Beauchamp Avenue, for players to use.
Once this phase has been completed, improvements will be made to courts at Christchurch Gardens and the tennis pavilion at Victoria Park to make the first floor of the building more accessible to players and coaches.
The wider scheme will also include improvements to the forecourt and underpass at Leamington Spa Rail Station, for which a feasibility study is now underway on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.
This work will provide an improvement to the public realm, pedestrian experience and cycle hub provision in advance of the Games. Any changes to the forecourt will be made in sympathy to the art deco style of the Station building. The wider package also includes upgrades to the bowls venue at Victoria Park, access and transport to and from Victoria Park, green parks enhancements and wayfinding and Cycle infrastructure improvements.
In the long-term, Warwick District Council plans to refurbish the remaining seven Victoria Park courts after the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, said: “The Council recognises the popularity of these courts, not only during the summer months, but all the year round.
“The ongoing success of these facilities is testament to the commitment made by Victoria Park Tennis Club to make tennis more accessible particularly to children and young people in our community.
“Although we are unable to resurface all of the courts at this point, we hope that this initial investment and our long-term improvement plans will allow Victoria Park Tennis Club to continue to offer their great range of coaching and competitive tennis opportunities at this venue.”
Claire Pomfret, Head Coach at Victoria Park Tennis Club, said: “After a difficult period of closures and session cancellations due to the wet winter weather and the Covid-19 pandemic, Victoria Park Tennis Club welcomes the news from Warwick District Council that the courts will be resurfaced this summer and that they have longer term plans for tennis facilities in Victoria Park.
“I would like to thank all members and non-members who have been so supportive of the club during this time and we look forward to continuing the full-time coaching and league tennis programme in the coming months.”
Anna Hart, Participation Development Partner at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), added: “The LTA’s vision is to open up tennis and its benefits to more people, and the Local Authority’s investment in Royal Leamington Spa will do just that – providing increased opportunities for locals to pick up a racket and get on court.
“These fantastic re-developed park courts will be a great addition to all of our efforts to develop the tennis offer across the town and its surrounding areas.
“We are delighted to be working so closely with Warwick District Council as a partner that shares our vision and recognises the contribution tennis can make in encouraging more people to live an active, healthy and enjoyable life.”
Minister hears first-hand from young people making Progress
"The support provided by programmes like Progress is now more important than ever"
Young people enrolled on employability programme, Progress, recently spoke to Baroness Stedman-Scott MP about how the programme has supported them.
The virtual meeting was arranged as part of Employability Day 2020 – led by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) – in recognition of the work that Progress is doing to support young people across Coventry and Warwickshire, with a particular focus on Covid-19 efforts.
The Baroness, who is the spokesperson for Department of Work and Pensions business in the House of Lords, asked young people about their experiences on the programme and thereby gained a valuable insight into how Progress is helping them.
Representatives from community charity, Groundwork UK, who lead the programme, and Progress delivery partners, Positive Youth Foundation, Numidia and Groundwork West Midlands also joined the meeting to talk about the positive impact that Progress has had on young people across the region.
To date, Progress has engaged with close to 900 young people to support them to kick-start a career, into training or back into education, as well as providing other support, such as life-skills, mental health support and opportunities to gain skills qualifications and volunteering placements.
Baroness Stedman-Scott said: “Hearing directly from young people supported to find training and employment opportunities through Progress was a great way to mark Employability Day, and I wish them every success in the future.
"By helping improve the job prospects of young people and tackling the wider barriers to employment, they are changing the lives of all those on the programme. This support will be crucial as we look to rebuild and renew our country while levelling up opportunities throughout the UK.”
Graham Duxbury, chief executive of Groundwork, said: “Young people have suffered a unique set of challenges as a result of Covid-19 – being least at risk in terms of the virus, but seeing one of the biggest impacts with their social lives paused, education disrupted and job prospects damaged with potentially serious consequences for their life chances and mental health.
"The support provided by programmes like Progress is now more important than ever. Our partners and Progress coaches have shown tremendous commitment and creativity to adapt their way of working and ensure young people continue benefiting from the reassurance, mentoring and positive role models they provide.”
Employment Related Servicce Association chief executive Elizabeth Taylor said: “Lockdown has affected young people tremendously hard. On the eve of the crisis, sectors that were closed because of social distancing measures employed nearly a third of all employees under the age of 25.
"With reduced vacancies and fierce competition for them, programmes like Progress will be especially important for new generations of young people following into the world of work. Employability Day is a great opportunity to increase public awareness about employment support and talk to influential policy makers like Baroness Stedman-Scott."
* Progress is a tailored programme of coaching and support to help NEET young people aged 15-24 across Coventry and Warwickshire (West Midlands) access training and employment opportunities. It is part of the ‘Building Better Opportunities’ initiative, funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
New matching tool will help business access the finance they need
A new business funding matching tool looking to revolutionise access to finance for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire has been released by the Chamber of Commerce.
The new Chamber Finance Finder allows member businesses fast and simple access to all funding options across loans, equity and grants – simplifying, speeding up and streamlining the application process for them.
With many businesses struggling to access the finance they need, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has utilised financial technology to provide access to both government and non-government funding options via a new partnership with Swoop Funding, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce.
In addition to access to funding tailored for their specific business needs, members will also enjoy other benefits such as a dedicated Chamber Finance Finder hotline providing guidance to businesses’ funding queries, plus a free financial health check, as well as finance alerts and updates.
Hazel Pilling, Membership Manager, said: “With cash flow a key concern for many businesses in our region, it’s essential that firms can access the support they need. By ensuring all firms have fast and simple access to finance we can safeguard the businesses that have built our community. We’re delighted to be offering the Chamber Finance Finder to make this happen.”
With the latest figures from Swoop showing fewer than 50% of businesses are accessing the loans needed, it is essential that organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce addresses the challenges in the process. This new tool, powered by one of UK’s most admired fintechs, Swoop Funding, matches businesses with funding from over 1,000 providers.
Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Business communities are facing unprecedented challenges, and access to finance remains a pressing issue for so many firms. The Chamber Finance Finder will help companies the length and breadth of the UK find finance options that will help them restart, rebuild and renew their operations. We’re delighted to support the Coventry andWarwickshire Chamber of Commerce in launching this initiative.”
The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Finance Finder can be viewed here.
Advice to business on fire safety as they reopen
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service has produced a booklet to offer guidance to all business owners on how to keep their premises safe and compliant as they begin to return to their places of work.
The Fire Service is also asking business owners to take 20-30 minutes to fill out a checklist questionnaire. From the results, the service will be able to potentially spot trends in areas that need attention, while also discerning the areas in which businesses are demonstrating a good understanding. Information gathered from the questionnaires will influence how the service continues to work so please do spare a few moments to fill out the questionnaire.