Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a national lockdown in England, commencing the 5 November, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, which has supported the local business community throughout the pandemic, will continue in its role as an independent, apolitical voice representing Thames Valley businesses at this critical time.
Chamber CEO Paul Britton commented: “The new restrictions will be a devastating blow to our business community. Having spoken to many of our members over the last eight months, participated and hosted a series of crucial webinars and roundtables, including those for the hospitality sector, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the voice of our members is heard by policy decision makers. We want to put politics aside and find practical and applicable ways to reduce the impact of this pandemic on the livelihoods and health of our community. Our focus remains on ensuring that businesses can operate safely, and goods can continue to move locally and internationally. The new national restrictions combined with changes at the UKs borders in the weeks ahead are testing the business communities resolve.
“As part of the national Accredited Chamber network we have been working with our colleagues to protect businesses throughout these incredible difficulties. The British Chambers of Commerce are, quite rightly, demanding answers from the Government on many areas, including its call on the financial package for businesses facing hardship, whether through loss of demand or closure.
“During the start of the pandemic we created a robust and comprehensive online business support hub that allowed our community to access an array of information and advice quickly. The hub is being updated daily and should be the first port of call for those looking for support and guidance.
Adam Marshall, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, who is the voice of business on behalf of the Chamber, its network and membership, further added:
“We will be examining the detail of new restrictions and support carefully over the coming days, together with Chamber business leaders across the country. Business communities will judge them on whether they are clear and evidence-based – and on whether businesses are able to see when these restrictions may come to an end.”
Our COVID-19 Business Guidance Hub has been updated with the latest guidance and information on the new restrictions which will come into force in England on November 5th.
