Marches LEP asks companies how social distancing can work across sectors

April 30, 2020

Companies operating as essential businesses in the Marches are being invited to share information on how they have implemented social distancing in a move which could help others once the lockdown is over.

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership is looking for examples of how social distancing has been successfully introduced into workplaces across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Although many businesses have closed their doors and some are operating with staff working remotely, a significant number of manufacturing, food & drink and health sector businesses are continuing to operate.
The LEP is the private-sector led organisation working in partnership with local authorities to drive economic resilience and growth across the region.
LEP chief executive Gill Hamer said: “Working with other LEPs in the Midlands, as well as Government locally and centrally, we are starting to look at how the economy can start to recover from the immense shock of coronavirus.
“Social distancing will be with us for some time to come so our businesses, across multiple sectors, will need to consider how they are going to implement staff working safely.
“Many of our businesses here in the Marches have remained open, some of them making real contributions to frontline efforts to save lives for which we are all grateful. We know companies have taken steps to ensure employees work two metres apart, some have introduced split and reduced shifts, different practices on production lines. We know that what might work for one sector, may not be possible for another so were keen to hear from a variety of different businesses.
“We would ask any companies interested in sharing their policies or guidelines to contact us at enquiries@marcheslep.org.uk or via our social media channels. We want to be able to share best practice with other companies through a series of case studies which will be available on our website.”

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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