BUSINESS REPORT


BUSINESS REPORT


Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its latest Quarterly Economic Survey. Businesses from across the county


filled in the survey between 17 February and 9 March to highlight their views and concerns and to show how Northamptonshire’s economy’s performed during the first quarter of 2020. The findings revealed that at


the time respondents were still concerned about Brexit and were beginning to be concerned about Covid-19.


Northamptonshire Chamber of


Commerce chief executive Paul Griffiths said: “The findings of our QES showed despite the more settled political situation following the result of the UK General Election in December the most common worry was still Brexit, with uncertainty regarding trading arrangements following the end of the transition period still weighing on businesses. “The outbreak of the Covid-19 was also a significant concern along with changes to tax and national insurance payments to off-payroll workers as a result of rule changes known as IR35. “After the survey was conducted, we saw the


introduction of a range of social distancing measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. This has had a huge impact on businesses and we’ve been working closely with our members to


‘OUR TEAM IS


WORKING HARD TO BRING THE LATEST SUPPORT AND ADVICE TO OUR MEMBERS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE’


NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, via our website or by regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed


QES REVEALS THE CONCERNS OF LOCAL BUSINESSES


support them in these challenging times. “Along with our sister Chamber in Milton Keynes we created a £100,000 Membership Relief Fund to enable members who are struggling to get a rebate on their Chamber membership fees and we launched a dedicated Coronavirus Helpline to support members. “Our team is working hard to


bring the latest support and advice to our members as quickly


as possible and we’re liaising with Chambers across the British


Chambers of Commerce accredited


network daily so that together we can push the Government for the help that our members desperately need.”


For further information contact Northamptonshire Chamber on 01604 490490 or email policy@northants-chamber.co.uk


To read the Quarterly Economic Survey in full visit www.northants- chamber.co.uk/representation/quarterly-economic-surveys


The QES for Q2 will be open from Monday 18th May – Monday 8th June, and we encourage all members to take part in this vital piece of work. The results for Q2 will be published on Wednesday 1st July on www.northants-chamber.co.uk


SCOTT BADER JOINS FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19


Scott Bader launches new thickener for alcohol- based hand cleansers to help global effort. In just 10 days, Northamptonshire based chemical manufacturer Scott Bader has developed and brought to market a new thickener for alcohol-based hand cleansers. By acting so quickly to develop Texicryl® 13-321, manufacturers will be able to produce more hand cleansers to fight against the global spread of infections and viruses including COVID-19. Group product manager Mark Stanion said: “In


less than a month, we have taken a concept from lab to full scale production. We are pleased that


we have been able to use our expertise to develop a product that is in short supply and will have a significant impact on the provision of hand cleansers. Thanks to the amazing joint efforts of Scott Bader colleagues from across the business, particularly our operations and pilot plant teams for making material available at such short notice, the first delivery of Texicryl® 13-321 reached its customers already!”


More information on Texicryl® 13-321 can be found on the Scott Bader website www.scottbader.com


JUNE/JULY 2020 inbusiness 5


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