A NATIONAL helpline has been set up in West Yorkshire to help businesses survive the coronavirus crisis.

Commercial Finance Consultancy ABL Business has set up the advice line to provide information on the Government’s CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme) and also on what banks are doing to help businesses remain resilient.

The company’s joint Managing Director, Alex Beardsley, sits on the CBI’s Regional Council for Yorkshire and the Humber which means she is receiving real-time information from the epicentre. It was decided that they should use this information, not just to advise their own clients, but to support the wider business community through the crisis. The number to call for COVID-19 Business Finance Advice is 0333 003 7685. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Ms Beardsley said: “We know from the rise in the number of queries we have had and the discussions with our clients and their advisors, that it is not ‘Business as Usual’ for all.

“Those in service industries have the ability to work remotely and still function, but for manufacturing, engineering, logistics or hospitality businesses, to name but a few, employees being unable to come in to work or get out and about would, basically, put an end to the business.

“Following on from what has already been a difficult and uncertain start to the year, with Brexit and Storm Ciara, the effects of COVID-19 on the UK economy are yet to be seen in full but the constraints are already being felt by UK businesses”.