Manchester businesses to benefit from new initiative
A number of Manchester businesses have pledged to donate an estimated £250,000 worth of time and expertise in an initiative aimed to help other members of the business community through the recession.
Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce chairman David McKeith today unveiled details of the Timebank model at a breakfast launch event in Manchester Art Gallery.
They were joined by Keith Johnston, partner at law firm Addleshaw Goddard and Nick Boden, senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, just two of the businesses which already have volunteered to give free one-on-one advice and support to smaller Manchester businesses experiencing problems related to the recession.
Other firms to sign up include:
- KPMG
- Davis Blank Furniss
- Hammonds
- Cobbetts
- Halliwells
- Deloitte
- Ernst and Young
Under the initiative, which has been jointly developed by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Manchester City Council, Manchester businesses with between about ten and 250 staff will be able to access free professional advice and support in areas such as accountancy, legal matters or marketing.
Timebank is part of the wider Helping Hands initiative, led by Manchester City Council and its partners, to help both businesses and residents with the effects of the economic downturn. The Timebank project pilot will run for an initial three months after which it could be extended.
- For further information about Timebank contact Jackie Farnhill at Greater Manchester Chamber on 0161 237 4102
