Business recovery service will help make Sheffield firms recession proof
SHEFFIELD Chamber of Commerce is to launch a business recovery service (BRS) to help support the business community during the economic downturn.
The aim of the BRS – which will be officially launched early next year – is to help city businesses minimise the potential impact of the recession and emerge fighting fit.
The BRS will be led by chamber president Hermann Beck with support from a dedicated operational team including the chamber’s policy and representation manager Helen Rana.
Strategies such as ‘Get Fit’ and ‘First Aid’ will encourage businesses to ensure they stay in good shape during the downturn so they emerge stronger after the recession.
Organisations will put themselves forward as leaders in their sector – for example, in finance, tax, manufacturing, sport and leisure or health- to assist, mentor and support other members during the tougher times.
A number of surgeries and workshops on subjects such as human resources, managing costs and assistance with red tape will be held and the BRS initiative will also include online activity via the chamber’s newly re-launched website.
Mr Beck said: “We believe the BRS initiative will see us offering the right support to the city business community at the right time.
“It will allow management to take a step back from the stresses and strains of battling these difficult conditions, bring about much needed guidance for organisations and help steer them in the right direction as we try as a collective to ride out the choppy waters of the economic downturn.”
The initiative has already attracted praise and backing from high-profile city organisations.
John Mothersole, chief executive at Sheffield City Council said: “I welcome the chamber’s initiative. It is imperative to the city’s economy that we protect and support business during the economic downturn.”
More plans and further details on the BRS will be revealed in 2009. Businesses wishing to get involved and play their part in the BRS should contact the Sheffield Chamber on 0114 201 8888.
