Aerial Photograph of Portsmouth

A new action group of key organisations will help Portsmouth recover as quickly as possible from the Covid-19 pandemic.

24 June 2020

2 min read

‘Shaping Portsmouth's Future Together’ is a new action group of key organisations in the city working to help the city recover as quickly as possible from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a major impact on the economy.

The newly formed group aims to co-ordinate support, advice and funding, identify any skills shortages, and highlight opportunities to businesses, education providers and the community. This spirit of collaboration, will use the goodwill in the city as a catalyst for economic and community recovery

As part of the scheme the University of Portsmouth will organise webinars for local businesses involving academics and industry specialists, as well as launching a network for local businesses to work with each other.

The university is working day and night to help combat the virus and support its local business community.

Peter Hooley, Director of Business Development, Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Portsmouth

Peter Hooley, Director of Business Development, Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Portsmouth, said:  “The university is working day and night to help combat the virus and support its local business community.  Whether it is online support through webinars, volunteering or surveying our community to plan for future, the university is invested in Portsmouth, its local business community and is planning a prosperous future together.’

The University will also be joined by representatives from Shaping Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council, The News, Hampshire County Council, HIVE Portsmouth, Pompey in the Community, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Solent NHS, city care providers, Portsmouth Creates and Jobcentre Plus.

We want the city of Portsmouth to thrive in the future to the benefit of the whole community.

Stef Nienaltowski, Chair of both Shaping Portsmouth and the new Shaping Portsmouth's Future Together

Stef Nienaltowski, Chair of both Shaping Portsmouth and the new Shaping Portsmouth's Future Together, said: "I am delighted to have been asked to lead such a group of talented and focused leaders from across the city. Each one of us is totally committed to providing all the necessary help and support to enable our city recover from this crisis as quickly as possible. By joining forces we will avoid duplication, share knowledge and better inform businesses and organisations of the help and support available to aid recovery. We want the city of Portsmouth to thrive in the future to the benefit of the whole community."