Businesses in Warwickshire praised for the 'extraordinary' response to the coronavirus pandemic

Two leading figures in Warwickshire have praised the collaborative approach of the county’s business community in supporting those who have needed it most during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Warwick District Council leader, Cllr Andrew Day, took part in Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s #PolicyHour session, where he spoke of his pride of how Warwickshire’s private and public sector organisations have rallied round to support each other, and the wider community.

He was joined by Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, as they both took questions from businesspeople in the region about the handling of the crisis.

Cllr Day said: “The response that we have had across both the private and public sector to the coronavirus pandemic has been extraordinary at every level.

“A lot of business owners in the county have made a lot of sacrifices - both in terms of their profits and their own safety - to diversify so they can help the national effort in some way whether it is making personal protection equipment, donating supplies, or personally volunteering out in the community.

“We are especially grateful for this support from the private sector, which aids the council’s ongoing work in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community during this crisis.

“That’s why it is even more pleasing that we as a local authority have been able to provide as many businesses as possible with grants to ensure they can survive through these unprecedented times.

“Working alongside the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has also been key in ensuring that funds are spread proportionately, to give the county’s businesses the best chance of recovering from what are uncertain times.”

Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, echoed Cllr Andrew Day’s praise for the public response, and while he revealed overall crime was down by 25 per cent in Warwickshire since the Coronavirus pandemic began, he had some key advice for businesses during the remainder of the lock down.

He added: “While business crime is decreasing we would still urge owners to try and inspect their business premises periodically.

“There is some ambiguity over what travel is and is not legal, but in Warwickshire we are urging businesses to take a common sense approach - which the vast majority are doing – and our officers are doing likewise.”

Sean Rose, policy officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Of Commerce, outlined the importance of the Chamber’s #Policyhour sessions.

He said: “The Chamber prides itself on being the voice of businesses in the region, and these sessions provide a vital outlet for our business members to share their issues and concerns with decision-makers at a local, regional and national level.”