Chamber's Covid support campaign reaches millions

An estimated 1.9million social media users were reached via an Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) campaign, providing free Covid advice and support.

The Chamber has revealed the results of its ABCC Covid Support campaign, which took place in the autumn.

The campaign was established after concerned ABCC executive committee members highlighted that some in the business community were struggling to gain access clear information on coronavirus support, due to language and technology barriers, in the midst of the public health crisis.

Aiming to bridge the gap in access to virus-related support, the campaign provided free public health messages, advice and grants guidance translated into Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.

Translated briefing papers and video messages were published and distributed on the Chamber 's communications channels as well as via Asian media outlets, such as Sikh Channel TV, ZMC network, Radio Aap ki Awaaz, Unity FM and World News TV.

Videos explaining key messages on Covid restrictions and developments received more than 6,500 views on Twitter and Facebook.

Alongside the messages, a hotline providing pro-bono legal and HR advice was established, aiding 29 businesses.

In total, 65 businesses were provided support via the campaign.

More than 300 business contacts, including in Business Improvement Districts, Asian community organisations, MPs and local councillors were contacted as part of the awareness campaign, who too distributed and communicated key translated messages.

While the ABCC administered the campaign, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority supported and sponsored the campaign.

Commenting on the campaign 's success, director of ABCC, Anjum Khan, commented: “We 're really pleased that the campaign was able to directly help so many firms, and reach many on social media.

“The ABCC exists to connect, support and grow the region 's Asian business community, and the ABCC executive committee members and I are pleased to have been able to step up and provide direct support during these challenging times.

“However, businesses, not just in the Asian business community, still need vital support and cash to help them during this health crisis. As described in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's Back Our Businesses report, there is still more action required from Government to support firms right now. ”