Mansfield and Ashfield businesses 'will come through this'

Gary Jordan, chair of Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Business Group, says the area’s businesses will weather the latest setback.

Mansfield and Ashfield businesses 'staying positive' after third national lockdown announced

He said: “It’s a little early to gauge true business reaction to the lockdown, but the responses I’ve seen or heard are emotional.

“I have said before that Mansfield and Ashfield businesses are very resilient, they will come through this setback stronger. We have a large number of residents now looking at, or already starting their own businesses which is very positive.

“Mansfield & Ashfield 2020 business group is launching its 2021 three pillars of support programme shortly. Whilst people ask for more grants and loans, of which I am unsure how much more can be given, and though the furlough scheme is welcomed, still claimed to be inadequate, I think it is time for business leaders to join forces through this period of uncertainty.

“We should buy local, use local supply chains (even if slightly more expensive), use coaches, mentors and peer groups to share experiences and solutions. It is a time to forget competition for a while so we grow back together.

“Our most harshly hit sectors are obviously hospitality followed by retail. Retail is not moving quickly enough with the digital era to survive.

"At MA2020 we are working towards business support, the power of networking and how we can help in with skills and enterprise. I am working with the D2N2 on peer to peer group sessions too, with Notts Trent University & Vision West Notts College pushing apprenticeships, internships and career pathways.

“I’m also driving a campaign making IT possible, helping deal with digital poverty and aimed at helping children with home learning - a problem where deprivation is prominent. As a business community we must attempt to help support families in need of IT otherwise the gap in social standing via educational loss will become wider.

“I spent Christmas time delivering food parcels and found it amazing how much food supermarkets potentially send to landfill.

“My message is that we should shut down everything except care facilities, GPs, hospitals and the emergency services, sport and TV shows. A FULL lockdown for four to six weeks.

“The public were asked to be trusted and many did their bit. However, its the few who caused immense pain and suffering.

“Some businesses suggest we should man Nightingale Hospitals with the military. St John’s and ex medical workers to escalate the vaccine roll out once vaccines are produced and to take in minor illness patients allowing NHS staff to deal with COVID.

“We need to start to plan for the future, flexible working possibly all year, future local restrictions following this lockdown, how we can work together to regrow local economies, how we support the vulnerable, consider how we never allow the NHS to slip back to its mismanaged A+E days and how we upskill those who lost their jobs to allow them back into employment.

“All things, our local and county councils are planning in the COVID recovery plans and which we as a business group will support.”

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