A new virtual networking group has been set up to unite East Lothian businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The trio behind the plan are Malcolm Currie, of Strathesk Resolutions, Kathryn Wood, of Montgomery VS, and Orlaith Brogan, from The Mumpreneur Revolution, all based in Musselburgh.

Mr Currie, who is also the chairman of Musselburgh Business Partnership, said: “This is a time when we need to support each other and work how best to get through.

“Small and medium businesses are particularly vulnerable, all the more so when their lifeblood – cash flow – dries up.”

The new virtual networking group, which is free, was launched last week.

Mr Currie explained: “We are pulling together a new networking group called East Lothian Business Community to help the business community pull together and work out how we can help each other.

“If anyone is interested in joining us, the details are at eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-lothian-business-community-virtual-networking-tickets-101206802270.”

The group want to unite local business so they can become stronger and “contribute to the local economy of East Lothian.”

The first networking event was held via Zoom.

It is hoped those involved will build relationships with other business owners; connect with others during isolating times; and have the opportunity to get pressing questions answered from the other community members.

Strathesk Resolutions helps companies develop constructive, profitable relationships with employees; Montgomery VS offers an HR and business support service; while Orlaith, a business and life coach, also runs child-friendly networking through a Facebook group of local business owners called The Mumpreneur Revolution.

The Musselburgh Business Partnership has also been working with county MP Kenny MacAskill, on the implications for local businesses amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

Mr MacAskill and his team have pulled together the latest information on Covid-19 and the Government advice and measures that have been put in place.

Mr Currie said: “Through Musselburgh Business Partnership we’re trying to keep people as up-to-date as we can. I’ve been in direct communication with our MP, Kenny MacAskill, about the support being provided by Government, and we will continue to circulate the information and advice as much as we can.”

Mr MacAskill commented: “Information is critical both on what we shouldn’t do and what we can do.

“Elected representatives are fortunate to receive many briefings which are very useful but distributing them as widely as possible

is critical. I’ve been fortunate that some local business groups have been in touch and I’ve been passing on helpful information they give to their members.

“Other organisations, whether business groups, voluntary organisations or charities, that want to have this central information from Government and other agencies should get in touch and we’ll arrange that they receive it.

“We’re here to help them help their communities.”

Coronavirus advice and updates can be found at bit.ly/2whabKK

Details about the application process for Covid-19 business grants can be found at eastlothian.gov.uk/supportgrants

Those who have difficulty completing the application should email the economic development team on economicdevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk.