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New 1-2-1 phone support and free webinars for local businesses have been launched by the Mayor to help the region’s economic fight back against COVID 19

New 1-2-1 phone support and free webinars for local businesses have been launched by the Mayor to help the region’s economic fight back against COVID 19

The Combined Authority of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, led by Mayor James Palmer, has today launched a new dedicated phone support service for local businesses along with a series of free webinars to help guide businesses through issues they are facing due to the outbreak of COVID 19.

Since social distancing measures were implemented to help manage the threat of the virus, the Combined Authority has put in place a range of support for businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough including grant funding, training and a job matching service.

To enable businesses to determine what support is available and how to access it, the Combined Authority is providing free one hour consultations from experienced business advisors.

The consultations will take place either on the phone or via video link and will offer local businesses the chance to discuss their needs and be given guidance on how to access relevant support from the Combined Authority and central government.

The business advisors leading the calls are trained to support local businesses through a range of issues including business rates, loans, grants, insurance and tax issues as well as the recently announced self-employment income support and job retention schemes.

In addition, the Combined Authority is also launching a series of free webinars for local businesses, which can be accessed through a quick self-registration process online.   Webinar topics include ‘Understanding the Key Government Support Initiatives for SMEs’, ‘Working from Home, Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health’ and ‘Marketing – Crisis Communications’.

Mayor James Palmer said:

“We are stepping up to the plate and giving local businesses what they have been asking for: honest advice on how to steer their ship through the murky waters of our current situation and help to look forward.

“These are trying times, and we have not yet seen the eye of the storm, but I am absolutely determined that local businesses get the support they need to ride out present challenges and prepare for the new business world that will emerge.

“The dedicated business support announced today will be available to all local businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  A rising tide lifts all boats, and it is vital that we pull together to ensure our economic recovery as a region.”

These latest announcements are part of a suite of support that the Combined Authority are targeting towards local businesses to help build economic resilience across the region.

The Combined Authority recently launched the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Talent Portal, a digital ‘match making’ service for people seeking new employment and businesses looking for employees.  The Authority also recently announced a Capital Grant Scheme, which provides a vital flexible capital subsidy to help Registered Limited Companies.