The Federation of Small Businesses has opened its £500,000 Disaster Recovery Fund for its flood affected members.
The FSB is offering interest-free loans of up to £5,000 to help small firms in Scotland, Lancashire and Cumbria and the North East of England cover costs associated with keeping their business trading and with repair of their premises.
“The last 18 months have been difficult for FSB members up and down the country, said John Wright, National Chairman of the Federation. The last thing otherwise successful FSB members need is unpredictable weather and flooding to damage their prospects. The FSB recognises that to ensure that the long-term damage to the areas affected is mitigated as best it can, all bodies, public and private, need to work together closely and effectively.”
The FSB is also calling for banks, local autorities and Regional Development agencies to assist in reasurring members that they “will be as understanding and flexible as possible.”
Only 5 funding applications have been made so far but this is likely to increase shortly with FSB representatives today visiting the flooded affected areas.
