The chairman of business networking group Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 has given his thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic in his April statement.

Gary Jordan writes: “Being locked down has been a time for reflection on what really matters in life.

“Like most, I have family and friends to consider on a daily basis.

“How are they? How do they feel? Are they managing? Can I do anything?

“It must be the same with many business owners who have the added concerns of the wellbeing of their employees.

“Mansfield & Ashfield 2020 has been working hard behind the scenes to signpost members to relevant & important information.

“We have engaged with D2N2, CBI, IoD, ADC/MDC, our patrons, Mansfield 103.2 and our local MPs to ensure we can react to any issues raised.

“Thank you to Tony Delahunty, for Radio Mansfield 103.2’s support, and also to Stewart Rickersey, of Mansfield and Ashfield News Journal, over recent weeks.

“Ella McManus has been talking to members along with members of the M&A 2020 Board to gauge where you are as businesses and how you are feeling at this moment in time.

“We need you to let us know as we begin to work with both local authorities on developing strategies of business support for the inevitable end to the current crisis. Get in touch and let us know.

“Behind the scenes we have also been busy looking at our next 10-year strategy and the implications for our members.

“We wish to become more focused on providing business support and to develop our networking offers. Again, any comments are welcome.

“I would like to thank the businesses of the Mansfield and Ashfield area for their fantastic support in the #ppe4nhs campaign set up by Martin Rigley, of Lindhurst Engineering, in Sutton in Ashfield, and supported vigorously by myself on behalf of M&A 2020.

From an initial donation of PPE to the NHS by Malcolm Hall of Hall-Fast, a campaign was set up for the locality. It quickly took off to become a countywide effort and is now in a number of counties.

The support (large and small) has led to donations of almost 60,000 items at the time of writing.
Absolutely stunning!

“The offers of free help and support to businesses from a number of members has also been something to be proud to be associated with. Thank you to all those concerned.

“The resilience of the area will be tested over the coming weeks and months and we as a business community must work hard for ourselves, employees and each other to ensure we get the local economy back on track as soon as possible.

“I look forward to meeting the challenges and to give whatever support M&A 2020 can to aid that process.

“And finally, I hope it is sooner rather than later that we can all meet to talk around experiences and to begin networking once again, building on the solid foundations of the past.”