Covid: Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce in urgent plea for support for business

Responding to the latest measures to tackle coronavirus in Scotland, outlined by the First Minister on Monday, Damon Scott, Chief Executive of the Chamber said: “This news is another blow to the private sector’s recovery from this pandemic. Whilst we fully appreciate the need for the Scottish Government to act in response to the worrying rise in COVID cases, we cannot ignore the direct impact this will have on business and livelihoods.”

He said: “An urgent response is needed from the Scottish Government to put in place measures which will provide a springboard to private sector recovery when this latest round of restrictions is lifted.

“Support for businesses which have already been through so much and survived 2020, must be expanded and all cash support paid out as a matter of priority.

“The Chamber is doing its utmost to support business during this difficult time and the news that the roll-out of the Oxford vaccine has begun reminds us that there is hope.

“We must focus all our 
efforts and resilience towards 2021.

“The Chamber continues to lead Shop Local Campaigns across Dunbartonshire under the “Loves Local” banner.

“During lockdown having an online presence is even more critical for many so as well as providing local businesses with a virtual high street we will continue our digital campaigns to promote businesses and urge our communities to #LoveLocal and #ThinkLocalFirst more than ever.”

On Tuesday, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced there would be “new additional funding to support businesses affected by lockdown”.

The Scottish government however, has insisted this was not new money as it was “part of cash already guaranteed through the Barnett Formula”.