Exeter Chamber of Commerce has shifted its events programme online during the lockdown period, developing three event formats to enable its members to stay connected and informed during the Coronavirus lockdown.  The three new format events include The Friday Lockdown Show, Virtual Thirsty Thursdays and the Virtual Board, which have attracted 1,000 attendees over the course of the lockdown.

The weekly Friday Lockdown Show includes a mix of expert advice, features and opinion pieces and good news stories. Over the past weeks the web show has included interviews 61 presenters and showcased 86 businesses. The event is hosted by Matt Young and produced by Bitpod, with support from One Voice Media, on behalf of the Chamber.

Chamber board director Clodagh Murphy said: “We have been really pleased with the response to our new events programme. While we are not able to meet in person we wanted to give businesses a way to stay informed and connected during what is a very challenging time.”

The Chamber has also made previous shows available to watch back on its YouTube channel. Features include advice on furloughing from Wollens and Stephens Scown, practical help on using Microsoft Teams from swcomms, an insight into the NHS response to COVID-19 and advice on business planning post lockdown.