Witham MP Priti Patel has been holding a series of virtual meetings with the Essex Chambers of Commerce and businesses from across the County to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Priti has been listening to the concerns raised by businesses as well as their suggestions on how the country can recover in a way that keeps people safe and gets the economy moving again.
Priti said: “Businesses have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic and it is important that we all understand how we can help them to continue to operate and trade in these unprecedented times. As we consider carefully how to phase in the reopening of society and the economy, business has a vital role to play and I have been pleased to discuss the positive ways that owners and entrepreneurs are looking to adapt by incorporating new and safe ways of working.”
Priti also praised businesses in Essex for supporting national and local efforts to tackle the pandemic, stating:
“During this difficult period for our economy, it has been heartening to see so many businesses come together to help save lives and get supplies to where they are needed. The businesses community in Essex has offered its expertise and resources to the national effort and many are volunteering and adapting to support those in need, get supplies to the NHS and care homes and keeping people in work. The Essex Chambers of Commerce is playing a leading role coordinating these efforts.”
Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, commented:
“These are challenging times for businesses, it doesn’t matter whether they are large or small, things are often confusing and at times a bit lonely. I very much appreciated, therefore, the willingness of Priti to give up some of her very busy schedule as Home Secretary to join me and Chamber members to discuss what is happening in the business world and listen to the experiences of businesses in Essex. We look forward to further discussions in the coming weeks, as the country slowly begins to come out of the lockdown period we have been in.”
