Enterprise M3 LEP is gearing up to provide as much support as it can for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are working with business support teams at our Growth Hub, mobilising 'distress counselling' for clients and finding ways to use some of our existing funding to support programmes and projects that respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and businesses in the our area.
We have also partnered with the neighbouring areas of Berkshire, Sussex and the Solent to fund a number of online business support and training webinars, starting from this week. Details can be found on our News page.
Most importantly, the government has asked us to report the needs and concerns of businesses in our area directly to them. Current issues raised and communicated by us to government departments include:
- A call for help for the self-employed;
- Support for individuals wanting to redeploy their skills from low demand sectors (eg hospitality) to high demand areas such as food delivery or business support
- Support for companies who want to diversify to help where most needed.
We already have a number of local hotels, logistics firms and an airline catering company wanting to help supply meals to care homes and isolated people most vulnerable to the disease.
If you would like us to tell government how you are being impacted or raise opportunities which can help during this emergency please email us at info@enterprisem3.org.uk
We are also pulling together all the area’s various business support organisations, including the Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to ensure businesses receive timely, accurate and useful information.
“I understand the significant impact that many businesses and individuals are already experiencing, and that it is going to take a national effort to tackle the coronavirus’ impact on the lives of each and every one of us.
“At a time where difficult decisions are having to be made, it is more important than ever to work collaboratively and be a collective voice. As a business-led collaborative partnership, which brings together both private and public sector organisations, we want to work with all our partners and businesses to help our region respond.”
For the latest updates and news about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and government advice and business support packages, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page.
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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