At Invest Newcastle, we are continually monitoring the escalating global situation around coronavirus (COVID-19). It is important to keep safe and follow official government advice about how to protect yourself and others. Keeping friends, family, colleagues and the wider community safe is our priority.
This is a challenging time for business and we’ve already been working to gather intelligence around how organisations are looking to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and how best to support them. As a team, we understand the uncertainty of the current environment and the need for businesses to ensure they are robust and receive the best practical advice and guidance.
Yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP announced a £330bn financial support package for business including cash grants, and business rates and tax relief. We are working through what that means for local companies and how we can help them to access this.
We are working closely with Newcastle City Council to collate business insights, and where appropriate, highlight best practice solutions. We are also proactively gathering and signposting businesses to information and support at a local and national level. This really is the time for the business community to come together, share learning and collaborate.
As a truly smart and connected city, there is no reason why we can’t continue to showcase our city and offer to the world. This is the time for our agile, resilient and innovative city to come together and maximise the opportunities that are in our control, continuing to promote our city as a place to locate, expand and thrive. We are continuing to deliver and develop our inward investment strategy and are ready to support businesses at whatever point they themselves are ready to act.
Naturally, we have postponed any international delegations, visits, events and meetings. We are adopting remote working practices, hosting virtual meetings, calls and webinars. As a business that can work remotely, this is absolutely the right thing to do.
The team will be available throughout normal working hours 9:00am-17:30pm through email and mobile phones. You can also get in touch through social media or our website.
This is a critical time for the North East economy and the need for our story to be told is now greater than ever. If you are a business in the region and would like to share any inspiring stories, successes or best practice please email kelly.gleadow@ngi.org.uk
If you are a business looking to relocate or expand email invest@ngi.org.uk.
Useful links:
Business support
https://www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk/toolkits/covid-19-coronavirus-toolkit
Health, travel and tourism
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.ngi.org.uk/coronavirus/
