Cllr John Redpath

“The coronavirus outbreak has had a substantial financial impact on our local economy with many of our local businesses and sectors, including voluntary and charities, being affected.

“Since the beginning of the outbreak we have been working with our local businesses, distributing £23.695 million of government grants to 2,314 local businesses and more than £1.111 million in discretionary grants.

“As well as keeping our business community informed about our plans for 2021-22, we are always keen to hear their views and how we can better support our local economy.

“Our business survey is open until Friday, January 29, to help us help them with further support and advice. Visit https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/24483/COVID-19-Impact-Borough-Businesses-have-your-say for full details.

“There are also opportunities to work with us because our buying strategy now prioritises our local SMEs where possible, and we continue to work on developing our relationships and networks in our borough.

Our buying strategy also focuses on providing social value and reducing CO2 emissions and we want to know how we can help support businesses with their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint in our fight against climate change.

“We have initiatives and can access support for the third sector too. For example our Community Lottery is one way not-for-profit organisations such as school PTAs, charities and clubs can continue to raise funds even when events have been cancelled. Please do get in touch.

“We are also offering support for anyone looking to get back into work. Our free online job club, ’Skills For Employment’, run by local careers experts The Stuart Mitchell Group, covers a range of topics from CV workshops to one-to-one guidance, including advice on how to tap into the ‘hidden job market’. It builds on your own qualities, skills and strengths to help you take the next step in your career, start a business or even become a volunteer.

“Our partners Surrey Chambers of Commerce are also offering help to young people aged 16-24 claiming Universal Credit to join the government’s new ‘KickStart’ scheme. If you are interested in finding out more about Skills For Employment or KickStart please email business@guildford.gov.uk.”

“Our Director of Resources, Claire Morris, will present our 2021-22 budget. Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, chief executive of Surrey Wildlife Trust, will discuss ‘A Greener Economic Future: Natural Capital Growth, Investment and Return’, and Marcus Wright, senior economist at NatWest, will give a presentation on ‘Economic Recovery in a Post-Covid World’.”

Attendees will also be able to ask their own questions during the presentations. Any business owners who cannot attend are welcome to submit questions in advance, to business@guildford.gov.uk.