Government announces support for SMEs impacted by floods

Hospitality companies should be able to benefit from a package of support to help small and medium businesses (SMEs) affected by the floods get back on their feet.

Average claims of around £2,500 are expected to be made for immediate clean-up costs, materials, and exceptional costs to help businesses continue trading.

Extra time will also be allowed for companies to file accounts with Companies House without any penalties, while a helpline will provide advice and support to companies affected by the floods. The helpline number of 0300 456 3565 is now open and will provide a free one hour call to help businesses get going again.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Dealing with these floods will be a long haul, requiring a stepped-up national effort with the whole country pulling together. We will continue to help the people who need help and protect the communities that need protecting."

Business Secretary Vince Cable added: "We will inform local authorities of their allocations from the Business Support Scheme on Thursday to assist businesses with clean-up costs or help them to continue trading."

The new package of measures is in addition to the business rate relief and repair and renew grants announced by government on 12 February.

Meanwhile, the government said it welcomes the initiative from Enterprise Nation to bring together big business offers of assistance to small firms affected by the floods.

They include:
•Regus, the workspace provider with 220 business centres across the UK, offering free workspace to workers affected by the floods.
•Citrix allowing small businesses use its online meeting tool free on a trial basis for up to 90 days.

Hotels suffer hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost business due to bad weather >>