The Word on the Ground
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fter weeks of lockdown there are some really concerning messages coming from the business community. We have focused most of our time on speaking to businesses about their experiences with the impact of coronavirus so that we can truly represent them to government. Alongside these calls we have been running a survey which attracted 301 responses from all sizes, sectors and locations across Surrey. The results were quite stark showing 72% of organisations either laying off staff or using the furloughing scheme. 63% said they were at risk of closure within 3-6 months. The results of our first survey have helped us to inform government just how tough things are and has contributed to some of the measures which have been put in place. For a summary of the first survey, go to https://www. gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder Obviously within that period of time a number of business support mechanisms have come into play so our second survey will be measuring the effectiveness of these schemes. To take the second survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ SCCCOV19V2.
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SURREY BUSINESS
Grants from Councils Following the delivery of grant funding to the Boroughs and Districts, they have been busily distributing it to their businesses. If a business believes they should be getting a grant and haven’t received it yet they should go to the appropriate page on their council’s website to find out what to do. These are listed on our website at https:// w w w.surrey - chambers.co.uk /representation/ how-is-your-business-doing/#section3 to try and make it as easy as possible for people to get money into their businesses. Falling through the cracks? I am sad to say that I am still receiving many calls from businesses, which are falling between the schemes and are therefore fearful for their survival. These include start-ups, which have only been operational for less than a year, Directors who are paid in dividends, and businesses in serviced offices who pay rates within their rent but are not registered as rate payers, and therefore are exempt from grants. These stories, as well as experiences of those trying to access loans, are being shared with the govern-