The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub has launched a new campaign to help businesses plan for recovery after the coronavirus outbreak.
Called ‘Pause, Plan, Go’, it will help businesses find the right support as they adapt to the realities of a post-Covid-19 economy.
Research by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has shown that 92% of businesses are reporting a significant impact from coronavirus.
Almost one in five have diversified what they do as a result. This number is expected to increase as lockdown conditions are gradually relaxed and businesses adjust to new ways of working.
The Growth Hub provides free and impartial help to new and established businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, signposting them to business support and advice.
Since the coronavirus lockdown it has seen a fivefold increase in phone calls and a fourfold increase in web traffic from businesses looking for help.
Growth Hub operations director Stu Anderson said: “A lot of businesses have had no choice but to reduce their hours or stop trading altogether because of the pandemic. Many are using that time to draw breath, think about the future and plan ahead so that they’re ready to bounce back when the recovery comes.
“So if they can’t work in their business, then maybe they can work on their business. The Growth Hub team is here to help them do that.”
The Growth Hub can help businesses find the right support for anything from selling online and updating marketing plans, to finding new customers and managing cashflow.
To help with growing demand it recently appointed an agriculture expert who will also work with businesses in sectors such as food, fishing and mining, funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.
The Growth Hub is also home to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub which can help businesses find the right skills and training.
Businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly that need help to understand what support is available to deal with the impacts of Covid-19 should visit ciosgrowthhub.com or telephone 01209 708660.
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and match funded by Cornwall Council, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.
