South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

SEEDA supports business recovery in the face of flooding

23 July 2007 

Grants of up to £2,500* will be made available to businesses affected by the floods to help them to develop recovery plans. The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is making this funding available as part of an initial package to help businesses to make as swift as possible a recovery from flooding.
*SMEs involved in agricultural production can apply for up to £2,000 to comply with State Aid regulations.

The package includes access to up to five days of consultancy for SMEs so that they will get the expert help they need. Business Link is the main point of contact for companies wishing to access this support. Business Link in Oxfordshire and Berkshire are running a campaign to inform affected businesses of the help available. They have established a "helpdesk" facilities to ensure businesses can access advice and support quickly and easily. As well as general advice and support, Business Link will also provide access to the specific measures which SEEDA is introducing. These are:

• Access to up to five days consultancy for SME companies to develop recovery plans, working with specialist business support organisations.

• Assisting with access to alternative, temporary business accommodation, this may be available in SEEDA supported facilities, or other managed work space.
  
• Information about the nearest wireless Broadband Hotspots, provided by SEEDA’s Broadband Partnerships, Connected Berkshire and Oxfordshire Broadband Partnership.

This support as well as general business advice can be accessed through Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or go to www.businesslink.gov.uk. Companies affected by flooding will be fast tracked to experts through this number.

SEEDA will also work with the market town partnerships affected by the floods and will support them in developing and implementing recovery plans which focus on the impact on business.

SEEDA Executive Director, Jeff Alexander, commented:

"We are still in the process of assessing the impact of the flooding on businesses but we wanted to be ready to offer support straight away. SEEDA has put together a package of support to help businesses that are affected to get fully up and running as soon as possible. The Grants, of up to £2,500, will help ensure that they will get the professional help they need quickly."

This is SEEDA’s immediate response as the full impact of the flooding becomes clear. SEEDA is working closely with Local Authorities, Business Link, Economic Partnerships to review the situation and ensure that we provide appropriate help.