Covid-19 response group formed to support Sheffield businesses during global pandemic

A Covid-19 response group has been formed in Sheffield to help support and offer advice to the city’s businesses which have been forced to close during the current crisis.
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The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has taken steps with partners across the business community and regional government to convene Sheffield’s Covid-19 Business Response Group.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered businesses, including pubs, restaurants, and gyms, to close to minimise the spread of the coronavirus and stop patients overwhelming the NHS.

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Atkinsons, which has stood on The Moor for 148 years and kept trading during the Blitz, despite being hit by German bombs, was one such store which was forced to close temporarily for the first time in its history.

The Moor in Sheffield quieter than normal as UK enters lockdownThe Moor in Sheffield quieter than normal as UK enters lockdown
The Moor in Sheffield quieter than normal as UK enters lockdown
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Alexis Krachai, Vice President of the Chamber and Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Covid-19 Business Response Group said: “The challenges we face in our local and wider economy are unprecedented as the UK and the wider world face battles with the impact of the Covid-19 virus.

“Every business, including Atkinsons, is having to make difficult decisions on how to protect their staff and their customers to slow the spread of the virus.

“This formal body is responsible for ensuring there is clear communication and coordination between the council and business community in Sheffield as the city responds to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Alexis Krachai, Vice President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Covid-19 Business Response GroupAlexis Krachai, Vice President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Covid-19 Business Response Group
Alexis Krachai, Vice President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Covid-19 Business Response Group
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On Monday, the PM announced a nationwide lockdown, banning people from leaving their homes apart from for a few "very limited" reasons.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has also set out a package of temporary and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption.

Mr Krachai said: “The group is made up of representatives from Sheffield City Council, Sheffield City Region, the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheffield Property Association, Sheffield Business Together, Sheffield Digital, the Institute of Directors and the Company of Cutlers.”

They will work to ensure the support promised by government will benefit businesses in the city as quickly as possible.

Atkinsons department store in Sheffield which was forced to close for the first time in its 148-year history due to the coronavirusAtkinsons department store in Sheffield which was forced to close for the first time in its 148-year history due to the coronavirus
Atkinsons department store in Sheffield which was forced to close for the first time in its 148-year history due to the coronavirus
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“The government needs to get financial support to businesses ASAP so that they can pay wages and pay suppliers,” Mr Krachai added.

“We are also already in touch with local banks to say they must step up to provide the financial support needed by viable local firms.

“The organisations involved in the Business Response Group are pulling together quickly. This is a hugely challenging moment in the history of the city but it provides us with an opportunity to show what we can do when we work together.

“We know businesses need support and answers now. We are working quickly to get information to businesses and to provide the advice they need.”

Businesses that need information should visit the support website or contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000.

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