Chamber responds to Chancellor’s new emergency measures

After Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new set of emergency measures to protect businesses and employees from the escalating impact of the coronavirus, Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:

“Such significant state intervention would have appeared unthinkable just a matter of months ago but highlights the enormity of the situation we find ourselves in.

“Government should be applauded for taking such decisive, wide-ranging measures and for offering the assurances so desperately needed by businesses here in the East Midlands and across the country.

“While the Chancellor’s words are commendable, there is nevertheless an unprecedented amount of work to be done, not least administratively, to bring these essential measures to fruition. 

“It is imperative that these new measures are delivered at significant pace to support those businesses in the greatest need at this time. There is no time for a burdensome administrative process for these measures to reach their intended targets and the Chamber urges Government to heed this.

“The business community now stands ready to work Government in order to help navigate the country through this difficult time.

“The Chamber will continue to provide support for businesses and will be updating its coronavirus hub – available at www.emc-dnl.co.uk – on a regular basis.”