Covid-19: Business Response Network launched to bring business support to local needs

As the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on towns and cities intensifies, the need to link business support to community need in the right place, at the right time and at the right scale has never been more urgent.

As the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on towns and cities intensifies, the need to link business support to community need in the right place, at the right time and at the right scale has never been more urgent.

Business in the Community has launched the Business Response Network to provide a range of support mechanisms for business to provide support to those who need it most during this crisis.

Through our vast regional and local connections and leaders on the ground, the Business Response Network provides:

  • Registration for those who need support and for business that can provide support
  • A wealth of COVID-19 Resources to help business, communities, schools and parents and individuals. These resources and factsheets can be easily accessed and downloaded
  • Signposting to other business, sector and community organisations who can provide additional support

Help for Business:

  • A series of webinars to help companies and individuals with their physical, mental and financial needs
  • NEW – our 100-day physical challenge which will be a great resource for many individuals are working from home
  • Daily inspirational examples of companies taking action and inspiring others
  • The latest advice and guidance for businesses large and small

NEW Resources to help businesses and the community:

  • DIGITAL HELP initiative, in partnership with the Department of Finance, will go live week commencing 6 April 2020
  • In response to the long-term nature of this crisis, we will also be launching a new Skills Match platform in the coming weeks, in partnership with the Department for Communities, enabling business volunteers to provide skills and expertise to support charities and the community sector through this difficult time

Kieran Harding, managing director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland, said:

“We know the impact that businesses can have at times like these and our members tell us every day how much they want to make a difference to those most in need. We also understand that businesses themselves need support to help their people and their families, and our strong links with schools will be used to provide much needed skills and resources here too.

“Business in the Community is the oldest and largest network of its kind, bringing business together on resilience, emergency response and long-term recovery. Whether it’s floods, cyber-attacks or riots, we have always matched local need with the enormous support businesses can and want to offer. The Covid-19 crisis is no different. Through our network, we can provide lifelines to those affected by the pandemic.

“We’re calling on businesses who want to offer support to contact us to make sure their support gets to the right place at the right time, and we are already working with a number of government departments, community organisations, schools and councils to match support.”

Organisations in need of help, and businesses who can provide support, can log their requests with us on www.bitcni.org.uk/BRN.

Business in the Community Northern Ireland is also working with its national team to link need across the UK via the National Business Response Network.