As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the country, the impact on our local economy and businesses has been devastating, with many businesses having to make difficult and often heart-breaking decisions. The key priority at present is for us to support Surrey businesses throughout this global crisis but also to look to the future in supporting businesses in the recovery stage once the worst has passed. Even in these unprecedented times, the Chamber team is working hard to make sure that businesses are connected, promoted, supported and represented across Surrey and I want to address how we aim to do this.

Representation 

Whilst the government are bringing in many important measures to support and protect business, there are still many questions and enquiries being raised by businesses. As part of the British Chambers of Commerce, we have the opportunity to represent your views and raise your questions to the relevant government departments, so we are keen to hear from businesses as to how the outbreak is affecting you. Please e-mail gary.hayes@surrey-chambers.co.uk and louise.punter@surrey-chambers.co.uk 

Supporting 

Our Coronavirus Hub is available on our website and is updated daily with information that will be useful to your business in how to minimise the impact of the outbreak on business. If you have written any useful guidance to share, please send it to gary.hayes@surrey-chambers.co.uk 

Promoting 

If you are running a webinar or are providing a service to support businesses during this crisis, please contact troy.jackson@surrey-chambers.co.uk. A regular newsletter will be sent to our membership and mailing lists. 

Connecting 

Our membership team is currently contacting our members to gather business intelligence to pass onto the government but also to sign post to possible support that may be available for businesses. If you have any questions or queries, please contact sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or tom.woods@surrey- chambers.co.uk 

We are also looking to run a series of online networking sessions so please keep checking on our events page of our website. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact hannah.joslyn@surrey- chambers.co.uk 

I have also made the decision to close the Chamber office until further notice. All Chamber staff will be working from home after this date, including our international trade documentation team. Whilst we have taken every possible measure to minimise the day-to-day running, it is possible that there will be delays with some of our services for which we apologise. 

Lastly, please follow the government guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus.

On behalf of the team, board and council of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, we wish you and your company the best possible outcome at this difficult time. Most importantly keep you and your families healthy. 

Louise Punter

Chief Executive, Surrey Chambers of Commerce.