Portsmouth MP calls for people of Portsmouth to help struggling small businesses

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, also believes many businesses are unaware of support available to them despite loans, grants and other forms of help being available following the government lockdown.

Mr Morgan has been working with ministers to ensure a package of support for companies, whilst challenging the government to do more to protect small businesses in Portsmouth – with many left devastated by the pandemic.

The MP has welcomed efforts by Strong Island, based in Southsea, encouraging people to ‘Support Local and Independents’.

Mr Morgan MP said: ‘Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy in Portsmouth. Helping to protect them during the coronavirus crisis protects livelihoods, protects jobs and protects our communities.

‘While the government and local bodies are doing their part to protect the economy, there are also plenty of ways that people can support their favourite local businesses, whether they are shops, music venues or local online stores.

‘Many businesses can be supported through this crisis and can be offered hope and a future for themselves, their families and their staff if we all do our bit and help them.’

According to Small Business Britain’s Big Support campaign, research shows that more than half 55 per cent of businesses have not got any advice or support for their business so far and nearly 70 per cent expect their revenues to fall by over 50 per cent.

The city MP added: ‘Businesses are at risk of running low on hope. There is support out there from financial and coaching, to advice and guidance. We all need to make sure small businesses are taking it up.’

Sources of support examples:

Dept for BEIS: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/

Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565

Government whatsapp service: 07860064422

Portsmouth City Council business advice and grants: portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/coronavirus-covid-19/business-advice-and-grants-coronavirus-information

Enterprise Nation: https://www.enterprisenation.com/coronavirus-support/

BT Skills for Tomorrow: https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/

Small Business Britain support: https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/coronavirus

Join Small Business Saturday for Facebook Live daily business support: https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturdayUK

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs Business Survival Toolkit: https://campus.ioee.uk/

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