| The Federation of Small Businesses has opened a £500,000 Disaster Recovery Fund for members in the north-east who have been left counting the cost of the storm which hit the area at the weekend.
Almost a month’s worth of rain fell in less than 24 hours on Sunday and many small traders were flooded out and left with no option but to shut their doors.
The FSB said a loss of stock and damage to premises were the main concerns being reported by members — problems which only exacerbated the issues being faced by small businesses as they struggle to cope with the effects of the recession.
The new scheme allows FSB members to apply for an interest-free loan of up to £5000 to help cover costs associated with repairs and remaining trading.
FSB Dundee and Angus vice chairman Charles Goodall said it was imperative that businesses were given all the support possible at a trying time.
He said, “It has been a very difficult 18 months to two years for businesses across Scotland and this freak weather shouldn’t be the straw that broke the camel’s back for them.
“We appreciate the devastation that flood damage can cause to any business, but especially to smaller businesses who sometimes have a fairly large excess on their insurance policy to start with and may be concerned as to how they are going to carry on as trading has been slow and income not as good as normal.
“Any business which suffers flooding where stock is damaged and the building structure itself may be affected could find itself in difficulty.
“The loans are to help them get back on their feet business-wise as quickly as possible.”
Andy Willox, the FSB’s South Aberdeenshire branch chairman and Scottish Policy Convener added, “Unpredictable weather conditions should never be the end, or damage the prospects, of otherwise successful FSB members that are so important to the communities they serve.
“The FSB in the north-east recognises that to ensure the long-term damage to the areas affected is mitigated as best it can, all bodies, public and private, need to work closely and effectively.
“That is why the FSB is stepping in and providing this additional service for its membership in the north-east.”
Further details of the scheme area available at www.fsb.org.uk/northeastscotland, or by contacting north-east regional organiser Mike Duncan by emailing mike.duncan@fsb.org.uk. |
