A free online COVID-19 winter resilience event is being held by a consortium of Bristol business support groups, led by the West of England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council.
Held on Friday 26 November, the event will provide businesses from across the city with up-to-date information, advice and guidance on how to steer a business through uncertainty, particularly as they head into winter.
The online event will be delivered by Bristol City Council, West of England Combined Authority and YTKO, a national business support organisation. The online event is free to attend and open to businesses of all types and sizes across the city.
West of England Combined Authority chief executive, Patricia Greer, said: “There is a huge amount of support available to help businesses adapt to the medium and long-term effects of Covid-19. This free event is a great opportunity to find out what help you can access – from training your staff through to grants and courses about getting your business online.”
Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Finance, Governance and Performance, Councillor Craig Cheney, explains: “As we move into the winter months and particularly with the current changing landscape of COVID-19, having the tools and knowledge to steer your businesses through uncertainty is paramount. With this free event we will be giving Bristol’s business owners insight and expert guidance on how to do just that.
“From the West of England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council, through to YTKO and the range of business support providers, the combined knowledge and experience at this event will be a truly valuable resource for businesses of any type.”
Running from 8am-9.30am, the event will be opened by YTKO, before Bristol City Council’s director of economy and place, John Smith will deliver an introduction, discussing the current climate and addressing ongoing projects such as infrastructure, transport, clean air zone and ongoing regeneration.
Adrian Jenkins, Bristol City Council’s public health services manager, will then offer insight on the current situation from a public health perspective, offering guidance on how to operate your businesses safely and securely during the pandemic, including information on public events, risk management and staff welfare.
This will be followed by an update from the West of England Combined Authority, with an overview on the latest grants and funding opportunities available to Bristol businesses. The event will close with questions and an open forum, facilitated by YTKO, on the various support packages available to the businesses of Bristol.
Project Director at YTKO, Toby Howkins said: ‘Through the range of service YTKO offer in the region, including South Bristol Enterprise Support and North and East Bristol Enterprise Support programmes, we are aware that many businesses across the city are still experiences significant challenges brought about by the pandemic.
We are pleased to come together with Bristol City Council and West of England Combined Authority to provide business owners with current information and guidance on the support available to them to navigate the winter ahead.’
The event is free, however those looking to attend must register their interest via Event Brite.
