Dear member,
thank you for your ongoing support of the Chamber of Commerce.
We are living and operating in quite exceptional times and firstly we hope that you and your teams are in good health and coping as well as possible.
Across the UK, the network of Chambers is at the front line of providing support to businesses struggling to survive, adapt, and to make the best decisions for themselves and their people, under extraordinary circumstances.
This has been one of the fastest moving weeks in policy terms the country has possibly ever seen. The Chamber team is working hard to get the answers businesses - as well as sole traders and the self-employed - need around access to financing and the range of government support schemes available to them.
Right now, we’re focused on ensuring the banks get cash to where it’s needed fast to support to firms and people on the ground; on assessing the guidance released last night on the jobs retention scheme against the questions you have put to us as members; on asking Government at all levels to ensure guidance and messaging is clear and consistent and on supporting our regional connectivity by lobbying for very necessary support for our airport and regional airlines.
You'll find the answer to many of your specific queries on our Covid-19 hub. This is updated daily and includes the latest UK and Scottish Government announcements, Chamber guidance and clarity on the most frequently asked questions among business owners.
If there’s anything else you think we should know or would like our help with please contact us at policy@agcc.co.uk. The Chamber is having regular discussions with local, Scottish and UK Government both directly and through our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce and will make sure your voice is heard.
It's vital now that we work together as the business community of North-east Scotland to ensure we get through this period and are positioned to breathe new life back into our economy as we come out the other side. The Chamber is at the heart of this.
Now more than ever we also need to #supportlocal. Are you a North-east business looking for support? Or can your products and services help others out? We can help you connect.
We've all seen great examples of how a community can come together to get through a crisis. The Chamber has created a new platform on LinkedIn, the Chamber Help Hub, to provide the forum for you to let others know where you need help, or to shout about the assistance your business can provide - and get connected. Link in with us now and start posting.
The week in (quite a big) nutshell:
Progress on rates relief:
Regulations for the 100% rates relief for heavily impacted sectors have now been published. The final regulations highlight that alongside hospitality, retail, tourism, and leisure, rates relief will also be provided for the aviation industries, particularly airports and handling services. The release for this announcement is available here:
https://www.gov.scot/news/100-percent-rates-relief-for-heavily-impacted-sectors-1/