Recovery expert links with town’s Chamber of Commerce in partnership deal

Knowsley Chamber has joined forces with the UK’s leading corporate rescue and recovery practice.

Manchester-based Begbies Traynor has become the second executive partner with Knowsley Chamber as the borough looks to bounce back and continue its promising pre-lockdown growth.

The partnership will allow Knowsley Chamber to provide the best advice, direction and expertise to members and other Knowsley businesses on financial distress guidance, turn-around support, corporate rescue, and alternative growth opportunities.

Lesley Martin-Wright, Knowsley Chamber chief executive, said: “We estimate that more than 75% of Knowsley businesses have stayed open, in some way, during the pandemic.

“Whilst this is promising news we know that for many, the next few months, will be a real fight to survive and grow.

“As the furlough scheme comes to an end and as grants and loans disappear we will start to see the true damage to our local economy.

“Partnering with Begbies Traynor in these unprecedented times will ensure that we are able to give our members access to some of the best turn-around, corporate rescue and refinance experts in the UK.”

Knowsley was performing well before the pandemic hit, with strong economic, investment and employment performance.

Confidence had also started to return to the town centres, with Prescot, in particular, showing promising signs of rejuvenation.

Keith Tully, managing partner, Liverpool Office, Begbies Traynor, said: “Knowsley is an exciting borough.

“It is the engine of the Liverpool City Region with strong manufacturing and logistics sectors.

“We want to get to know Knowsley businesses by working with the chamber to help support and assist them with their survival and growth plans.”