Business in Blackburn with Darwen have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and experts are rallying together to provide support as the town comes out of lockdown.

Experts will be answering questions from business leaders in the town on how the recovery from lockdown in a meeting on Wednesday.

A partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Town Centre BID and Blackburn with Darwen Hive Business network, the fortnightly Ask the Experts event will start at 10am on Wednesday.

Nicola Clayton, chair of Blackburn Town Centre BID, said: “These fortnightly sessions have proven invaluable to businesses within the area.

“It’s a platform for people to ask questions and receive a prompt personalised answer to their issue, reassurance, guidance or signposting to people who can help.”

The hour-long meeting will be dedicated to business support and experts Matthew Sidgreaves, from Boost Business Lancashire, and Clare Turner, town centres and markets service lead from Blackburn with Darwen Council, will be on hand to answer questions about the financial support available for businesses affected by the virus from the council.

Ian Brown, chair of the Blackburn with Darwen Hive Business network said: “Over recent months, we have helped people to access financial support, supported them to navigate issues relating to employees, customers, and operating at whatever level in the current situation.

“Now we are here to help guide them through the start of the recovery of our town centres and the wider business community.”

At 11.30am, the live forum will be opened up to allow any questions about recovery and planning for re-opening your business safely.

Anyone will be able to ask questions about the recovery of their business and planning to re-open their business safely for both their staff and the public.