Flood Recovery Support
Post Flood Support for Businesses in South West Cumbria:
Help is available for businesses in SW Cumbria affected by the November floods in the region. Furness Enterprise are working with the Federation of Small Businesses, Business Link NW’s Access to Finance Team and local authorities to help businesses as part of a Business Economic Recovery Group which has been set up for Cumbria.There are six elements to the response we are offering , as follows:
• Describing what discretionary financial help is on offer, and helping businesses apply for it.
• Briefing firms about properties available for temporary use, should they be needed.
• Providing a list of suppliers, tradesmen and contractors who can help with clean up.
• Supporting the County Council team’s discussions with insurers’ bodies, banks and HMRC about the need for flexible help to be offered to firms faced with resuming business.
• Supporting the banks in their delivery of assistance to firms.
• Supporting the ‘Cumbria is open for business’ and ‘to tourist visitors’ promotional efforts.
Firms affected by the floods can approach us with a business case for discretionary funding to help them recover – it may cover activity such as marketing, training of staff and job safeguarding – the latter available £1,000-5,000 per job. This discretionary help could complement insurers’ assistance to firms and the flexibility banks like Barclays are providing.
Useful Telephone numbers:
Furness Enterprise 01229 820611
South Lakeland District Council 0845 0504434
Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 88 22 00
Business Link 0845 00 66 888
Citizens Advice Bureau
Consumer direct including any calls about bogus tradesman
08454 040506
Cumbria Community Foundation 01900 820822
Cumbria County Council 01228 606060
Department of Work and Pensions 01228 605101
Environment Agency Advice, floodline 0845 9881188
Gas Safe Register (gas safety advice and registered local engineers) 0800 408 5500
Highways 0845 6096609
NHS Direct 0845 4647
Police 0845 3300247
Prescription help and advice NHS Direct 0845 4647
Social Services 01539 713377
Transco (gas leaks) 0800 111999
Traveline 0871 200 2233
United Utilities (electricity) 0800 195 4101
