We are reaching a pivotal moment in the coronavirus pandemic, with a clear shift in emphasis towards a return to wider economic activity, and our continuing support for our colleagues, the business community and individuals will be vital.
Measures are now being put in place that will enable the economy to restart safely, including mandatory use of face coverings on public transport from June 15, when non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen. Further information will soon be available to help us shape the way we live and work safely going forward.
Covid-19 and our work to mitigate its impact has highlighted the challenges faced by people who have been hit particularly hard and require our support more than ever.
International attention has rightly been focused this week on ending discrimination against Black, Asian and minority ethnic people. We can at least be confident that the values that underpin the Growth Company’s work underline our own determination to provide equal opportunities for all, including a commitment to empower people by encouraging ambition and challenging assumptions. We’re proud to make a positive difference to the businesses, communities and individuals that we work with. Our record in supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic business leaders and individuals is already strong, but we know that must continue to ensure that our services are available and accessible to all. Diversity is a strength we celebrate.
We know that young people have been disproportionately impacted during previous recessions and that our work to provide skills and training that can unlock employment opportunities will be vital in the coming months and years.
It is also a sad truth that some businesses will not recover and reopen, and that our support and advice will be integral in providing encouragement to the fledgling entrepreneurs who will help to rebuild our economy alongside the enterprises that are already innovating to meet changing demands.
We covered how we’re using this crisis as an opportunity to provide more support to those who have been disproportionately impacted in the Build Back Better webinar this week, the latest in our business recovery webinar series, with Andy Burnham, Major of Greater Manchester and Lou Cordwell, Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.
As I mentioned last week, this week is Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration of people contributing to their community through volunteering. Although the coronavirus pandemic has stopped many of the things we would usually do, you can still get involved in volunteering using Volunteer2day. We have shared stories of how your colleagues have been volunteering on the hub.