INDUSTRYNEWS
SPONSORED BY UNION
£10 million business support scheme
to help flood affected businesses
Following the business rate relief and repair & renew grants
measures announced by the Prime Minister on 12th February,
David Cameron set out further support for businesses in areas
affected by flooding.
These are:
• A new Business Support Scheme worth up to £10million to provide
hardship funding for SME businesses in areas affected by the
floods. Both businesses that have been flooded, and businesses
in affected areas that have suffered significant loss of trade, will be
able to apply for support. Eligible businesses will be able to claim
for funding for things like immediate clean-up costs, materials, and
exceptional costs to help them continue trading.
• Extra time for businesses to file accounts without any penalties.
If any affected company is unable to file accounts or other
documents on time as a direct result of the floods, Companies
House will agree an extension and not collect the penalties
which apply for late filings.
• A Government Business Support Helpline is providing
comprehensive advice and support to businesses affected by
floods. The Helpline will offer a free 1 hour call with a dedicated
Business Support Adviser to help businesses get back on their
feet. The helpline number is 0300 456 3565.
The government also welcomed the initiative from Enterprise
Nation to bring together big business offers of assistance to
small firms affected by the floods. These include:
• Regus, the global workspace provider with 220 business centres
across the UK, is coming to the aid of businesses by offering free
workspace to workers affected by the floods. Those who cannot
work in their normal location – whether that’s an office or their
home – will be given free access to the business lounge within
any Regus centre, providing professional workspace, wifi and
complimentary refreshments.
• Citrix has pledged to support small businesses affected by the
floods by letting them use GoToMeeting free on a trial basis for
up to three months (90 days) for quick and easy online meetings
with employees and customers. GoToMeeting is quick to install
and allows you to connect face-to-face and work with people
important to your business via a mobile, tablet or PC wherever
you or they happen to be.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“I encourage all businesses affected by flooding to get in
touch with their local authority or contact the Business Support
Helpline, where our team of advisers will be able to di ɕ