Management School supports Liverpool City Region businesses during COVID-19

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During these difficult times, many small businesses across the Liverpool City Region are struggling to cope.  With additional financial strain and an uncertain future, business owners are relying on support measures to survive. 

The Management School is helping to ease the burden on a number of local, small businesses through its Growth Catalyst network.  

Established in 2014, the £1.6million European funded (ERDF) Growth Catalyst Programme has successfully developed the leadership of over 150 small firms in the Liverpool City Region area, building up a network of almost 200 entrepreneurs.

Over the last few weeks, the Growth Catalyst team has been circulating relevant information (including HMG and City-Region guidance) to the network via WhatsApp groups and mailing lists. The team is also hosting weekly Zoom sessions to allow business owners to connect and share their experiences of things like accessing government support, dealing with banks and sourcing information.  

As well as providing practical information, these sessions are also helping to minimise isolation by presenting an opportunity for like-minded people to share advice on issues such as managing stress, keeping in touch with their staff and planning for the end of lockdown.

Dr Benito Giordano, Programme Director, commented “The level of engagement has been positive with sessions proving to be beneficial, however, it is sobering to hear the many challenges businesses are facing.

Over the coming months, we will continue to provide whatever support we can to try and make a difference in these difficult circumstances."