Croydon businesses are being asked to complete a new survey launched to enable the council to better understand how best to support local companies through the next phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the country prepares to come out of lockdown, Croydon Council wants to ensure it has the right support in place for local businesses to help them get back up and running as quickly as possible and to help minimise job losses.
The online survey which has launched today, covers a number of topics including the impact – both negative and positive – the coronavirus outbreak has had on businesses; whether owners have any contingency funding to support their business through the months ahead, and aims to understand the type of practical support businesses would find most beneficial in the coming months.
It also explores what type of support is needed by business owners to enable them to trade effectively either online or remotely for the foreseeable future, and whether business owners would be interested in a new business support network that would see them connect with other local businesses as they work towards reopening.
The council will use the data gathered to shape its response and the help, support and advice it gives to business owners as they move into the recovery phase.
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs
“There can be no doubt an economic crisis is looming. Businesses, both big and small, are at the heart of Croydon’s economy and the only way we can remobilise our local economy is to ensure our businesses have the help and support they need as we come out of lockdown.
“These are unprecedented times for all of us and it would be wrong for the council to make assumptions about the type of help and support our businesses will need to recover at this challenging time, which is why we’re asking them to tell us.
“The council is committed to doing all it can to support Croydon businesses and to create job opportunities for local people. I’d urge every business in the borough to have their say and would once again encourage any businesses that haven’t done so already, to check whether they are eligible for government grant funding which can support them through this crisis.”
To find out more about business support and the grant funding available click here. To take part in the survey click here.
