FSB press release

Nuneaton MP hears from small businesses on Coronavirus challenges

Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones has held a virtual roundtable meeting with small business owners and the self-employed in his constituency to discuss the impact of coronavirus and the safe re-opening of businesses.

The meeting organised by the Federation of Small Businesses saw a number of FSB members across a range of sectors join the call. A wide range of issues were discussed including the impact on high streets and Nuneaton town centre, guidance that small businesses need to consider ahead of re-opening safely, and the need for prompt payments to help small firms at this time.  

Marcus Jones MP said “These are unprecedented and difficult times for small businesses. The Government has put in place unprecedented package of measures to help, with the Furlough scheme, Small Business Grants, Self-Employed Income Support and Bounce Back Loans, but I don’t underestimate the challenges facing businesses many of whom have been without turnover income for several months. It was good to speak to business people and understand their views and issues which I have been able to feed back to Ministers.”

Lee Osborne FSB Development Manager Warwickshire and Coventry said “It was a really productive meeting and I would like to thank Marcus and our Nuneaton based members for taking part in the call.

We all know how challenging the recent weeks have been for businesses with some small firms now fearing for their futures in the middle of the worst downturn on record. During the call a wide range of issues were discussed including gaps in support, and the costs of adapting to new guidelines around social distancing to allow the safe re-opening of businesses at a time when cashflow remains tight

The FSB is continuing to work with elected representatives both across Warwickshire and nationally to help local entrepreneurs during the Coronavirus pandemic and afterwards as we look towards local economic recovery”.