A LOCAL solicitor has become part of a new clinic to provide free confidential advice to help Tameside businesses through challenges presented by coronavirus.
Paul Westwell is a partner at Ashton-based Bromleys Solicitors and is one of the Business Community Champions for the Tameside Business Resilience Clinic (BRC). This has recently been set up by local businesses and Tameside Council’s Economy, Employment and Skills team, providing free advice and support to help small and medium-sized enterprises.
Paul said: “I was delighted to be asked to get involved with this fantastic initiative and support businesses which have faced problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a business support champion, I can provide free, business-specific legal advice for anyone using the BRC whose company has had challenges as a result of the pandemic.
“By getting involved, it underlines once again our commitment as a firm to helping the business community with effective legal advice.”
Paul, head of Bromleys Solicitors’ corporate and commercial team, specialises in corporate, commercial and property transactions and works closely with members of Bromleys’ commercial and dispute resolution teams.
Business Community Champions include local business professionals such as managing directors, human resources practitioners, supply managers and accountants.
These champions have hands-on experience which they are willing to share to support local businesses during this challenging time.
Queries to the BRC are submitted through an online contact form and matched to the relevant support required. The clinic will operate across a range of platforms to make it easy for businesses to access, using webinars, emails and phone calls by appointment.
The support provided includes signposting to existing help from the Business Growth Hub, such as online workshops or webinars; matching relevant professionals like managing directors, human resources specialists and supply managers to local businesses; advice and support is also available from training and work providers such as local colleges and Jobcentre Plus.
Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Economic Growth, said: “We have some fantastic businesses across our borough and by providing support like this we see how they’re the lifeblood of our local community.
“Thanks to all the business people who have agreed to become Business Community Champions. I encourage any businesses which might need support to get in touch as soon as possible using the details below.”
Anyone looking for further information should contact employmentandskills@tameside.