18 December 2009

One Month On - Flood Support Still Avialable

• Support provided to over 500 companies
• Over 300 engagements with affected businesses
• First NWDA Flood Recovery Grants issued

When the floods hit one month ago, many businesses were left devastated, particularly in Cockermouth, Ulverston, Workington and Keswick, as their premises were ruined and equipment and stock was damaged.  Business Link Northwest continues to work with affected companies, helping them to get up and running again as quickly as possible.

Since the start of the floods the service has delivered support to almost 500 affected companies and Business Link advisers have proactively approached a further 300 businesses in flood-affected areas to offer help and guidance. In addition, there have been more than 1,000 page views on flood-related sections of the Business Link Northwest website and microsite. 

Now, as Cumbria promotes an open for business message once more, the organisation is now urging any businesses who have not got in touch for support to do so as it continues to work with affected businesses for the foreseeable future.
 
As well as providing help with the complex issues brought by the flooding, such as dealing with suppliers and finding temporary premises, Business Link advisers have delivered information and advice about interim measures to help companies to get trading again as quickly as possible.

By reassigning the workloads of Cumbria-based advisers to other members of the team based across the North West, Business Link has been able to ensure that all 20 of its local advisers are available to be hands-on, delivering support to the businesses that need it most.  Many of the advisers have been able to draw upon their previous experience of dealing with flood-related issues, which they gained during the Carlisle floods in 2005.

Tom Bell, relationship manager for Cumbria at Business Link Northwest, said: “Our website and telephone advisory figures show that companies are actively seeking information from Business Link about how to recover from the floods.  In addition to this, our team of Cumbria-based advisers continues to work with businesses face-to-face, helping them take the next steps towards recovery and providing support with applications for the NWDA’s flood recovery grant scheme.

“I’d like to thank our advisers for their hard work so far as many of them have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and likewise I would like to extend a thank you to the many partners who have each played an integral role in the rapid and relevant response to the floods.”

Dorothy Fairs, co-owner of Jackson Fairs Kitchens based on Market Place in Cockermouth, has been speaking to Business Link adviser Glyn Griffiths after her showrooms were devastated by the floods.  She said: “Glyn has been exceptionally helpful. He fully explained the grant procedure and has also referred me to someone who can help us find alternative premises for our business.

“I would advise any business owners who have been affected by the floods to contact Business Link as the advice has been extremely valuable and is helping us to get our business back on track.”

Business Link can support companies that have been affected directly or indirectly with their applications for Flood Recovery Grants, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which can provide businesses with grants of up to £10,000.  So far, 11 grant offers have been made totalling around £67,000. 

Floods Recovery Minister Rosie Winterton said: "The Government remains committed to doing all we can to support Cumbria at this difficult time. The support from the NWDA, alongside £1million from Communities and Local Government and support from other Whitehall Departments will help the people and businesses in Cumbria who need it most."

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA said: “While much of Cumbria is now operating as usual there are many businesses which were severely affected by the floods and do need urgent help.  We were able to confirm grant funding of £1million a few days after the floods and it is excellent to see, just a few weeks on, that this support is getting through to Cumbrian businesses so quickly.  Immediate support can really make a difference to whether or not some of these businesses continue to thrive and I would urge affected businesses to contact Business Link Northwest to see what is available.”

A dedicated section has been created online that pulls together locally relevant information and advice specific to businesses that have been affected by the floods at www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/cumbriafloods. Businesses can also call Business Link on 0845 00 66 888 to speak to an adviser.