Business Daily

Small to medium-sized manufacturers in the Exeter are being urged to take part in a major survey detailing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on industry.

The Manufacturing Barometer, which is conducted by South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), went live today and is inviting companies to highlight the issues they are facing and the support they need to overcome them.

Companies are being asked to highlight changes in production volumes, difficulties in retaining employees, supply chain disruption and any major ‘...

Vertu Motors is opening the vast majority of service departments to ensure that key workers and vehicles critical to the country during the pandemic can continue their vital work.

The service departments at Bristol Street Motors Exeter Renault and Hyundai and Exeter Van Centre ar open.

Anyone classed by the government as a keyworker, or vehicles such as utilities, emergency services and food and necessary goods distributors will be able to access servicing and repairs. Where possible this will be extended to vulnerable people who need to stay mobile.

Robust...

The coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented. As the deadly virus arrives in workplaces, businesses in Exeter are responding quickly to prevent staff from spreading the infection.

Many businesses in Exeter sent staff home last week as a precautionary measure. Firms employing staff that can work from home can continue normal business operations remotely with minimal disruption. However, it’s not the same story for everyone.

From 20 March, the government issued an enforced closure on businesses that provide a public service including gyms, cinemas and casinos. The British...

Commenting on the much-anticipated support package announced by The Chancellor for self-employed workers affected by the  coronavirus pandemic, Mark Simic, partner at Simpkins Edwards LLP, said:

“For many, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s package for the self-employed - whose income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 - will have come as a huge relief. It means that - subject to meeting the criteria - they will receive financial support, although there will be a two month wait until grants are payable at the start of June.

“The Scheme provides a grant worth 80% of profits up...