ACE’s special group for small and medium sized member businesses, the SME Forum has moved exclusively online since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.  

Topics such as bank loans and finance, working from home, furloughing staff and the future economic recovery have been covered in recent meetings. In addition to this, special guests from ACE’s affiliate and stakeholder networks have also been invited to share their insight.

However, more than this, they provide a vital forum for business leaders to discuss with their peers the challenging situation many businesses are facing and will give reassurance that the right decisions have been made.

SME Forum chair Steven Hale of Crofton Consulting said: “Last week’s online meeting was the best attended yet which is recognition of the fact that it provides members with a great opportunity to share ideas and best practice with their peers, while also helping many to realise that the challenges they’re currently facing, and difficult decisions they’re making, are not unique but are common to all.”

ACE’s Director of Membership Darrell Matthews said: “As well as the benefits for attendees, it helps to directly influence ACE’s engagement work on behalf of the membership. The experiences shared at the SME Forum have helped to formulate our own responses and have fed into the highest levels of government. This is a great chance for your voice to be heard."

Register your interest for the next online SME Forums which takes place on Friday 1 May, Tuesday 12 May and Friday 22 May at 10am. Free for any current small and medium sized ACE member to attend.