'We will get through this' - Chesterfield businesses remaining positive amid coronavirus crisis

Chesterfield businesses say they are remaining positive as the coronavirus crisis spirals.
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During these exceptionally challenging times, companies across the area insist it is still very much business as usual as much as possible.

Anna Melton, director of In the Works PR, said: “We are in a very fortunate position that the entire team can work from home.

Coronavirus.Coronavirus.
Coronavirus.
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“I have invested in video conferencing technology and every day the team will have a video conference if not to catch up on work then to say hello face to face with each other – that’s really important to us.

“We’ve already told our clients that, as much as possible, it will be business as usual.

“We’re doing our best to protect the business during this crisis but also the businesses of our clients.

“In these uncertain times, marketing your business is more important than ever.

Neil Johnson, managing director of Derbyshire Business Control.Neil Johnson, managing director of Derbyshire Business Control.
Neil Johnson, managing director of Derbyshire Business Control.
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“The country will come out of this – so it’s important that during this time businesses continue to market and advertise themselves.”

James Brand, managing director of United Cast Bar (UK), commented: “Surprisingly we have a record order book right now from Italy – it’s just phenomenal.

“Our markets are still receiving material and trucks are moving to allow us to receive raw materials and deliver products.

“While there are currently no restrictions on borders, we do anticipate that they will come.

Anna Melton, director of In The Works PR.Anna Melton, director of In The Works PR.
Anna Melton, director of In The Works PR.
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“Both the business and our employees are listening to and following advice from Government.

“It means we are all on the same page, fully supportive of each other and pulling together in these uncertain times which is great to see.”

Neil Johnson, managing director of Derbyshire Business Control (DBCP), added: “We’re conscious that the construction industry and councils rely on us to ensure buildings are safe, so we’re doing our best to make sure our building inspections continue as normal.

“We have working arrangements to ensure our staff remain safe.

James Brand, managing director of United Cast Bar (UK).James Brand, managing director of United Cast Bar (UK).
James Brand, managing director of United Cast Bar (UK).
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“We know these are worrying and unsettling times for everyone and, while the safety of the public and our employees is our top priority, we are doing all we can to find ways to continue providing vital services – our website is key to this.

“We invested heavily in our website last year to ensure it could be used by our customers to make applications and payments and this will definitely benefit us and our staff at this difficult time.

“As much as possible, it’s business as usual for DBCP.”

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Scott Knowles, chief executive at the East Midlands Chamber, urged businesses to ‘plan ahead and mitigate challenges where possible’ during the crisis.

He said: “There is clearly a significant impact being felt by businesses of all sizes and sectors here in our region, across the UK and, indeed, the world.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at the East Midlands Chamber.Scott Knowles, chief executive at the East Midlands Chamber.
Scott Knowles, chief executive at the East Midlands Chamber.
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“While all organisations will have their own pressure points, it is likely to be the smaller businesses within our communities which face the greatest challenges – many of which may not have the cash reserves, for example, of larger businesses.

“We would urge businesses to plan ahead and mitigate challenges where possible – such as sourcing financial support, developing flexible working plans where practical and ensuring contingency procedures are in place, while communicating regularly and clearly with staff and relevant stakeholders.

“Given the fast-moving nature of the coronavirus outbreak, it is important that businesses keep abreast of the regular flow of guidance coming from Government, Public Health England and other relevant official bodies.

“The chamber will continue to update its business-centric online hub – available at bit.ly/EMC_coronavirus – with information pooled from a variety of reputable sources.”

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