More than 250 business leaders have now attended a series of free webinars organised by a Poole-based accountancy firm.

Inspire Professional Services launched the programme of interactive webinars at the start of the lockdown.

The aim was to support the local business community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The webinars, held weekly via Zoom, have covered topics related to the government’s measures to help businesses.

They include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

The next webinar in the programme is held this Thursday, April 30, at 11am.

It will concentrate on the support announced by the Chancellor for businesses whose focus is on innovation and research and development.

The Inspire team will offer business leaders key details on the government’s new Future Fund – a £500m loan scheme for high-growth firms – alongside an overview of the £1.25bn package to protect firms driving innovation in the UK and other support, including tax credits, available to R&D businesses.

A Q&A session will follow, giving all attendees the opportunity to ask questions on the government’s additional coronavirus support.

Warren Munson, Founder of Inspire, said: “We know that almost all businesses are being affected by the disruption caused by coronavirus at the moment.

“Although the government has announced a package of unprecedented measures to support businesses and self-employed, the detail and application processes related to many schemes has been complex and the business community needs advice, clarifications and their questions answered.

“I feel passionately that we’re all in this together, so we’re very happy to be able to help and support the business community, during this testing time for everyone.

“Our webinar programme has helped more than 250 businesses over the last four weeks, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.

“This week’s webinar is aimed at businesses who undertake innovation or R&D, or those that haven’t yet qualified for any of the government’s coronavirus support measures so far.

“I would encourage any business which is focused on innovation or R&D to join the webinar and find out more from our team about the Future Fund and the government’s other support available.”

Inspire’s free, interactive webinar programme includes a weekly session, with advice, guidance and a Q&A – aimed at directly supporting businesses dealing with coronavirus.

For more details visit Inspire’s dedicated coronavirus Business Resources Page providing the latest news, opinion and links for businesses to access information, alongside details of the webinars.

To register to attend Thursday’s webinar, please email [email protected] or call 01202 717867.