| An open letter to Chamber members from BCC Director General Adam Marshall
I wanted to write directly to you, as Chamber members across the UK and around the world. Every business – no matter its size, sector, age, nation or region – is currently facing unprecedented challenges. We can only overcome those challenges by sticking together and supporting each other. That’s why every one of our Chambers of Commerce is working tirelessly to help businesses on the front line – as the ‘first responders’ on the ground. And it’s why the British Chambers of Commerce team in London is working around the clock to ensure that the UK government and financial institutions get practical support to businesses – fast. Our priority is to ensure that businesses get clear, actionable information at speed in order to take critical decisions – and that government takes action on the pressing, real world needs of our business communities. We are making this point relentlessly right at the very top. Over the past three days, both I and my team have been in constant contact with Downing Street, with senior Cabinet Ministers, with the Governor of the Bank of England, and with the banking industry. We are in the room, at the table, and we are making it clear that businesses and their employees need immediate support.
Behind the scenes: Our team is working with No.10 and departments all across Whitehall to get the answers to the many pressing questions that firms across the Network are raising about new business support measures. We have published a new Coronavirus Hub, with links to official public health guidance, information on government support measures, and resources and guidance from around the UK and global network. The team are adding to this on a regular basis to ensure we are sharing the most up-to-date information possible. We will be sending out regular, possibly daily, e-communications on the latest developments, and will host a daily CEO call at 11am beginning tomorrow to ensure all our work reflects the challenges facing our business communities. Accreditation assessments have been stopped for the foreseeable future. We can, and have, completed assessments virtually, and will be reviewing whether it is appropriate to continue an accreditation schedule considering the pressures Chambers are facing. We are prioritising resources on Chamber support. And we are also pushing hard within government, and with the British Business Bank, to ensure that all businesses – including Chambers themselves – can make use of new support schemes to support business cash flow. We will do absolutely everything we can to ensure that your questions are answered, and above all, to get the UK Government to move faster to get cash to the front line to keep our businesses, communities and economy going. Chambers are in business for business – and we will be there every step of the way as we navigate the days and weeks ahead. Count on us – and on each other. Together we can bring our businesses and communities together and lead the fight for the future.
With very best wishes always – and take good care. Adam Marshall Director General, British Chambers of Commerce Insights 15 Mar 2020: Support for business amid the Covid-19 outbreak Read more | 