BUSINESSES in Weymouth are being invited to an event to help them find out what support is available to move forward after an overwhelming majority reported that the pandemic had a major impact on business operations.

The event, called Weymouth Bounces Back, is being staged by the Weymouth Coastal Community Team at Weymouth College on October 26, from 9.30am until 1pm.

It comes after a Dorset LEP Business Impact Survey monitored the impact of Covid-19 on businesses of all sizes in the county. The vast majority of respondents – 88 per cent – reported that the pandemic has had a major impact causing significant disruption to their business operations.

Guest speakers from eight organisations including the regional Federation of Small Businesses, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Dorset Growth Hub and Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce will each contribute a 15-minute slot, with time available for questions.

Weymouth Area Development Trust CEO Chris Wilson said: “This is a great opportunity to find out what support is available and chat to other businesses about the way ahead after the challenges of the pandemic lockdowns.

“Support on offer could include free advertising on websites, potential grants and finance, and promotions with We are Weymouth and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Everyone has been affected by the pandemic and this is a chance for businesses to learn from each other and access help and support.”

Doors open at Weymouth College at 9am for coffee at the Weymouth Bounces Back event, and all the organisations represented will have stalls and information to browse.

Organisers are recommending visitors to wear face masks for the event, and for everyone attending be double-jabbed. The venue also recommends that visitors take a lateral flow test before attending.

The event is being made possible by Dorset Council, the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government.

Weymouth’s Coastal Community Team is a partnership that includes We Are Weymouth, Weymouth College, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council and Weymouth Area Development Trust.

To book tickets for the event visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/weymouth-bounces-back-tickets-183422229827