If your business is at risk or has been affected by the floods, please see important information below:
If you need advice on what to do, contact Business Link. There are trained advisers on hand to help with queries - including business continuity, cashflow and potential loss of stock or flood damage. Your Accountant can also assist on cashflows.
The local rate number is 0845 00 66 888
For guidance and information, see these two links on the Business Link website for general business continuity or specifically flood damage.
This information applies to accommodation providers, visitor attractions, retailers, manufacturers, farmers and any trading company.
Farmer flood bulletins and factsheets
Cumbria County Council produces a series of farmer specific flood bulletins and factsheets on a monthly basis to help keep farmers informed in a co-ordinated manner. These are also posted out to Natural England Agri-Environment Agreement holders and hard copies made available at auction marts, land agents, flood support groups/centres, partner organisation offices and Business Link.
There is also a new section at cumbria.gov.uk/floods for farming and rural recovery where bulletins can be downloaded at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/floods/farming.asp.
Financial Assistance
FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)
Any business that is a member of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) can apply for an interest free grant of up to £5000 to help cover costs associated with keeping their business trading and with repair of their premises. Loans are interest free for 1 year, then subject to the Bank of England's base rate of interest.
Practical help for people affected by flooding
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has a special Helpline for anyone affected by the recent floods, where fast, practical help and advice is available.
You can contact the Helpline on 0845 3000 157 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Each call to the helpline will be handled on its own merits but HMRC may be able to help by:
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agreeing a revised payment schedule when customers are unable to pay due to financial difficulties caused by the flooding.
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agreeing practical arrangements where individuals and businesses cannot comply with their tax obligations perhaps because their records have been lost or destroyed in the flooding.
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reviewing any penalties or not imposing additional surcharges that may be triggered where customers have missed deadlines as a result of the flooding.
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providing help and advice in dealing with other practical, tax related matters arising as a result of the flooding.
The service is available for all HMRC taxes, including VAT, Corporation Tax, Income Tax and NICs (PAYE) and for individuals affected by the flooding.
Is my business at risk of flooding?
Businesses that prepare for flooding can save 20 to 90 per cent of the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment, while advance preparation may reduce your regulatory liability and make it easier to obtain insurance.
