Plusnet reveals:- "24% of Liverpool business owners feared for their future, but by adapting to technology now feel more positive"

SOUTHPORT Auto Centre is staging a classic car and motorcycle display to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Southport Cancer Information and Support Centre. The charity fundraiser will be held, on Saturday, 31 July 2021, from 10am to 4pm, at their Centre, located on Wright Street, behind Southport College, which will be closed off to traffic. Among the automobiles on show will be a 3 wheeled Messerschmitt bubble car and the recently restored Schofields lemonade truck. There will also be a Smokey and the Bandit car (Pontiac Firebird Trans Am) and an E-Type Jaguar. Also on display at several nearby car parks will be Harley Davidson's, Stationary engines and other forms of transport, while Warrington Scooter Club are expected to attend on the day and show off their Vespas and Lambrettas.

Chris Regan, and all the staff at Southport Auto Centre who are organising the charity day, said:- "Lots of charities have been impacted by a drop in donations due to the Pandemic, and a lot of our customers have been supported by Macmillan and the Southport Centre and also volunteer for them, so we wanted to try and raise as much money as possible for the charity. This will be our third, and biggest, charity event to date and all the team here at Southport Auto Centre have worked so hard to arrange so many varied and interesting vehicles for the display, which promises to be a great day out for all the family, whilst also raising vital funds for such a worthy cause."

On the day there will also be refreshments and a raffle, for prizes including a signed TT leather jacket and unique Castrol Oil drum furniture, as well as items for sale such as Honda Racing BSB coats, fleeces and caps. The Southport Information and Support Centre relocated from Stanley St to Wright St at the end of 2020, and the new Centre will be open on the day and staff and helping to support the event.

Nicole McIlveen, Macmillan's Area Fundraising Manager for Merseyside, added:- "Macmillan is almost entirely funded through donations from our supporters, and we can only be there for people thanks to the fantastic efforts of fundraisers and charity events like this 1 arranged by Southport Auto Centre. The event promises something for all the family and the proceeds will help make such a difference to people living with cancer."

For further information about the event call:- 01704884418.
 

NEW research from value communications provider Plusnet reveals that Liverpool business owners feared for their futures during lockdown. 24% of Liverpool businesses feared they would be forced to close as a result of lockdown and over a 3rd (35%) believed they would have to significantly reduce the number of people they employed as a result of Covid.

Despite lockdown fears, 88% of Liverpool businesses are optimistic about growing their business in the next 12 months. But, recent analysis suggests businesses are right to be positive about the future. As lockdown restrictions have eased, the North West has seen the strongest business activity growth in over 24 years. The Region's Business Activity Index rose from 59.7% in April 2021 to an all time high of 66.4% in May 2021. Plusnet's research also reveals that 59% of Liverpool businesses rely on tech more now more than they did before Covid, and nearly a 3rd (29%) said the Pandemic has led them to move the majority of their business online.

To help Liverpool's small businesses maintain growth, Plusnet is launching a new guide with expert advice, covering everything from using social media to avoiding burnout and hacks to get them through year 2.

Plusnet is urging new businesses to apply for a That'll Do Star, and download the new business guide at:- Plus.Net/ThatllDoStars. Any business successfully launched since March 2020 and who meets the criteria will qualify to win a That'll Do Star. The star will serve as recognition from Plusnet that companies will be able to wear like a badge of honour. Of all businesses that enter, ten will be chosen to feature in Plusnet's ongoing campaign to champion small businesses.

Plusnet is also offering unlimited superfast business fibre broadband from ₤22.00 per month for 24 months.

Nick Silverwood, Head of Business of Plusnet said:- "We're taking our hat off to the incredible businesses launched over the last year. The future's looking brighter for new Liverpool business owners, as more adapt to using technology than ever before and the North West continues in its economic recovery. Here at Plusnet, we know all about courage, grit and determination and that's why we're recognising the many thousands of businesses that took the plunge in lockdown by rewarding them with a unique That'll Do Star. And because we want to help businesses as much as we can over the coming months and years, we have created a guide with tips on how to keep your business on track, specifically designed for our lockdown heroes. We'd love for businesses to apply so we can shine a light on the incredible work they have been doing and help them beat their goals for year 2 and beyond."

How to get your business a That'll Do Star:-
 

1. Check you meet the criteria for the application:-
	►  Launched no earlier than March 2020.
	►  Have no more than 20 employees.
	►  Be able to showcase have you have exceeded expectations since launch.
	►  Be happy to feature in press.