Wednesday October 28th 2020
Midlothian MP Owen Thompson
Owen Thompson MP has called on Midlothian businesses to let him know about their experiences accessing government-backed loans and other available support to help their businesses stay afloat during the continuing Covid19 crisis.
The Midlothian MP is leading a Backbench Business Debate in the House of Commons on Thursday, November 5th to discuss the available support for small businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. He is asking affected local businesses to get in touch and help inform the debate.
Mr Thompson has invited business owners to contact him about business support either via the dedicated form on his website owenthompson.scot/coronavirus/getintouch/ or email him at owen.thompson.mp@parliament.uk.
Mr Thompson is also hosting a constituency surgery for local businesses affected by Covid19 on Tuesday November 3rd at 4pm, with support from Garry Clark of the lobby group the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Mr Clark is the Development Manager for East of Scotland FSB and will be there to provide impartial guidance and signpost businesses to the various sources of existing support.
Mr Thompson said
“This is a critical time for Midlothian businesses as the pandemic continues to disrupt trade while schemes like furlough are being brought to a close. When lockdown happened over seven months ago, nobody knew how long this public health crisis would last, but with the new tier system coming into place it is clear the impact on local businesses will continue for quite some time.
“It’s crucial that economic support reflects the reality that Covid19 has not gone away, and we do all we can to protect businesses over the coming months. Many businesses have relied on the lifeline government schemes so far but may be struggling to manage burgeoning debt and worried about the next steps. Other businesses have been unable to find the support they need and are facing a financial cliff-edge.
“I am inviting businesses to get in touch and let me know their experiences accessing support, including the government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan and the Bounceback Loan schemes. Let me know any improvements needed and what support is required to stay afloat over the coming months.
“Business owners affected by Covid19 are also invited to book a slot in my forthcoming business surgery to discuss concerns with me directly. Garry Clark from the business lobby group FSB will also be on hand to offer impartial guidance and signpost to existing support.”
“I am leading a debate next Thursday on the government backed loan scheme CBILS which will provide a chance to raise many of these issues directly at Westminster. I encourage Midlothian businesses to get in touch so I can take forward their concerns and help make their voices heard. “
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