As key sectors of the economy look to end their recovery stage and move towards a restart, many are contending with a host of post Covid-19 questions and are struggling to find real answers Emily Kirton talks to Ann Cook, a business adviser at the Business Gateway Growth Hub, and discovers that there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – it’s about finding the opportunities and support available
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peaking to business adviser Ann Cook from the Business Gateway Growth Hub as we gradually emerge from lockdown gives me a positive feeling. She’s giving me news of the vast spectrum of advice and support available to businesses that may well have been through – and are still experiencing – some of the toughest environments they have experienced since their inception. “There has been a lot of new government support for businesses since the start of the pandemic and a great deal of information to absorb,” says Ann. “This has all been available online and possibly difficult to navigate. As business advisers we’ve been able to talk to people and help them decipher what’s available and, more importantly, what’s relevant to their business. We know from feedback that having someone there to listen to their concerns has been invaluable to many.” The Business Gateway has been a lifeline offering free
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THE BUSINESS GATEWAY IS BASED AT FRIARS MILL IN LEICESTER
support and services that can be accessed via a team of 11 experienced and motivated advisers here in Leicester and Leicestershire. “Initially there was a great deal of distress and panic as the lockdown happened. There is still a long way to go, in terms of being back to ‘normal’, but we are seeing a slight shift in the kind of help required. “People are getting in touch now to find ways to adapt, adjust and even grow in some cases. Businesses can rebuild or restart in this time, in fact many have; it’s about looking forward and accessing ongoing support.” Business owners can seek the abundance of advice and support available to them. Business Gateway advisers are available to help steer businesses through this next phase. They will provide free one-to-one advice and help them identify the opportunities, financial support, training, or whatever they require, and perhaps are unaware of. “We have a growing number of experts providing
