New online directory launched to support local businesses

Wiltshire Council has launched a new digital directory to help business owners and managers as they make decisions about the future of their business.

The Business Support Directory is a comprehensive online tool which signposts businesses affected by COVID-19 to local, regional or national support or alternative solutions to help them survive.

The council created the tool, in conjunction with partners and stakeholders, to help many businesses who are facing new risks and challenges and may not be aware of what support is available to them or what the best solution may be for their situation. So, whether businesses may be considering growing, changing, downsizing or potentially closing, the tool can help identify the information and support available to help them.

The tool contains information tailored to the size of the business, ranging from self-employed and sole traders to large businesses with over 250 employees. So, if you are looking to grow your business' online presence but need to upskill yourself or your team, or thinking about future talent but don't know where to start, or having to make staff redundant and want to support them move on, this directory can help you do that.

Sam Fox, Corporate Director Place, said: "The council fully recognises the important contribution Wiltshire businesses make to the local economy and also the huge impact COVID-19 has had on them. It doesn't matter whether you are a self-employed, micro, small or large business, the pandemic will have presented a variety of challenges and opportunities.

"As business owners and managers consider their next steps, this tool will help provide the support and advice they need to take the right direction. There is so much information out there that business owners may feel overwhelmed, but this quick and simple to use tool provides all this information in one place.

"The tool is flexible enough for businesses to use time and time again as they move through different stages of their business lifecycle."

The online Business Support Directory can be found at Business support directory.