Here to help

Since March, Solent businesses have faced the most challenging of years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tragically, not all have survived and our latest post Covid-19 forecasts underline the scale of economic shock and recovery challenge the Solent faces, equivalent to a short term impact worth £4.5bn and nearly 27,000 jobs.

As we enter the winter months, we enter a further period of national restrictions and it is clear that once again the ability of our businesses to survive will be tested. Whilst the scale of the challenges ahead of us are vast, the Solent LEP are committed to backing our local businesses and are putting in place a range of support to help where we can. This includes a restructured business support hub, available now at solentlep. org.uk. The new site provides a range of support hubs for business to help simplify access to relevant information and support available from the LEP and our local, regional and national partners.

In addition, and recognising that alongside dealing with the impact of the pandemic, many businesses are also making preparations for UK transition, the new portal also includes a dedicated UK Transition and Overseas Trade Hub.

We are also prioritising additional financial support for our small businesses and will launch a number of new funds in the coming days.

These seek to support businesses to address immediate needs and where possible, transition to online trading in response to the new national lockdown, and to help people continue to buy-local, support their local businesses and assist those companies that matter most to our local communities.

We are not alone in supporting businesses in these difficult times and

There remains reason to be optimistic that the Solent has a bright future on the horizon