Mental health, furlough and grant taxation - Banbury virtual 'Question Time' gives answers during coronavirus lockdown

The answers and informed suggestions were given by a panel of Banbury businessmen and women invited by organisers the Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce.

They were Carol Shaw, Employment Lawyer from Spratt Endicott, Simon Smith of Wellers Accountants, loans expert Gary Ireland of Empire Finance, Tricia Everett of Fat Panda and Nigel Tipple of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The event last Wednesday was chaired by Chamber board members Neil Wild and Allan Love.

Chamber chairman Mr Wild said: “We are like many organisations adapting to the current circumstances. For the Banbury Chamber it’s important we find ways to engage with our members. We often hold Question Time events but this was the first time we’ve done it in this virtual format.

"We’re pleased with the way we were able to hear from five experts who answered a broad spread of questions. We offer thanks to Allan Love from Website Energisers for managing the technology so well.

"Whilst our priority is to support our 150 members we also have a role to play in representing the whole business community at this time and as a result we’re keen especially during these times for non-members also to join our events wherever possible.”

The whole programme is available on YouTube and linked through this page.

One question came from a businessman whose wife was working away from home, has his own work and four children to home-school. How could they manage it all and retain a sound mental health, he asked.

Another audience member asked how employers can keep staff informed and engaged through the lockdown. One asked what online courses are available as a way of utilising extra time.

The questions included one, asking what financial support is available for small business directors; another person wanted to know why most businesses were being turned down for bank loans. Mr Ireland said he believed many applications are being declined by banks because clients don’t know how to approach and present their case.

One business person asked if the panel thought the Government will provide incentives to boost the housing market once the lockdown is over. Another asked how furlough payments and grants would be treated in annual accounts and whether they would be taxable.

The issue of rates subsidies or holidays being extended to 'other industries' was also discussed as were the priorities for local councils in the allocation of additional government funding.

To watch the virtual Question Time see here.

Ms Everett discussed the effect of lockdown on people's mental health, bearing in mind surveys suggesting anxiety and isolation are already affecting the public.

The Chamber can be contacted at [email protected] and its link for business support can be found here.