The boss of an accountancy firm with seven offices across the north and north-east has said the region’s businesses are fighting hard to stay afloat.
Gary Addison is the managing director of Peterhead-based Goldwells, which also has offices in Buckie, Grantown, Inverness, Kingussie, Nairn and Tain.
Mr Addison said staff had worked around the clock to help local firms with their business continuity plans.
Goldwells has seen a huge increase in calls in recent weeks from businesses trying to navigate through the various UK Government financial support schemes.
The firm has been advising clients seeking grants and/or looking to furlough employees, while also responding to an increase in queries about taxation, the postponement of IR35 reforms and a wide range of other concerns, Mr Addison said.
He added: “It is inspiring the way so many north businesses are working hard to do their best for their employees – not just during the lockdown, but to make sure there is good employment in the area when the restrictions are lifted.
“From Inverness to Peterhead, our team has been working hard, helping small and medium businesses find the best way to shore up the finances of their businesses.
“The recent changes made by the government to protect businesses and those self-employed during the pandemic are welcome, but it is not always obvious to business owners what to do to access the right support.”