North Lancashire businesses demand swifter support

Three North Lancashire organisations have joined forces to demand swift support for the more than 1,200 businesses they represent.

Lancaster & District Chamber of Commerce, Morecambe BID and Lancaster BID will use their combined strength to put pressure on local, regional, and national authorities urging them to ensure financial support is passed to suffering businesses as quickly as possible.

The collective says that although it has been more than three weeks since Tier Three business support grants were announced, businesses have yet to receive the funds.

It is critical the promised support is made available swiftly in order to stop businesses closing, livelihoods being lost and families suffering. Additionally, the current crisis for businesses is impacting the recruitment and retention of apprentices, and therefore the younger population too.

Mal Garnett, president of the chamber, said: "We have seen a surge in calls from small businesses in our local area since the latest lockdown was announced, asking where the financial help is. This is impacting not only on the financial stability of their businesses but also the mental welfare of them and their families."

Nick Wilkinson, chair of Lancaster BID, added: "The feedback we have been getting from many of our members over the last few weeks is 'where is the support, and when is it coming?' This has been coming from the hospitality sector, but with the national lockdown now affecting most of our members, we urge action and we urge it quickly. The future of many of our businesses depend on it!"

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