The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council, extended its campaign providing guidance to firms which have struggled to access Covid-19 related support.

The ABCC’s Business Support Campaign aims to help West Midlands-based businesses owners, for whom English is not their first language, break down barriers to accessing Covid-19 support and guidance.

A second phase of the campaign, which will run for six weeks, has been launched providing more support and guidance on Covid-secure measures. 

The campaign offers information on Covid-19 guidance and new regulations and support for businesses in English, Bengali, Urdu and Punjabi.

The Chamber, part of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, will also be undertaking an engagement campaign with local community organisations and Asian media outlets, ensuring it reaches even more of the Asian business community.

Alongside the new resources, the Chamber will continue to operate its dedicated hotline, launched in the part of the first phase of the campaign, which manages inquiries and are handled by a multilingual business adviser.

Advice offered via the helpline is provided for free by ABCC committee members.

Anjum Khan, director of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said: “The ABCC’s Business Support campaign has been really critical in engaging more members of the Asian business community with guidance and advice that is crucial to their survival.

“The second phase of our campaign will provide even more dedicated resources, in a variety of languages, specifically targeted to help businesses be Covid-secure and help them better understand national and local guidelines.

“We are confident the second phase of this campaign will help further businesses throughout the region, alongside the WMCA and Birmingham City Council, by ensuring they have the knowledge and resources they need to remain open while doing all that they can to contain the spread of this virus.

“Any business that is looking for support should call the hotline for advice on 0121 274 3280.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our recovery from this pandemic has to be inclusive and work for everyone – it’s one of the principles of how we will rebuild the region, by rethinking how we live and work. I am delighted that the WMCA is working with the ABCC to make essential business guidance accessible to everyone.

“This hotline and translated guidance will provide an invaluable resource to businesses across the West Midlands giving crucial advice on financial support as well as guidance on how they can make their business safe.

“Businesses across the West Midlands have worked hard to make their premises Covid-secure, and brilliant initiatives like this are helping to ensure the West Midlands is Open for Business.”

Justin Varney, Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, said: “It is important that all businesses can understand how to keep their staff and customers covid-19 safe. Birmingham has a diverse and vibrant multi-cultural business sector.

“We are working in partnership with the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce to support businesses across Birmingham, where English isn’t the first language, to access support in Bengali, Urdu and Punjabi as part of our work to keep the city safe during the ongoing pandemic.”