Flooding Support

Flooding is devastating for affected businesses, especially retail businesses for which the run up to Christmas is a key trading period.  Added to that many business people’s homes will also be affected, making it doubly difficult for them.

It’s going to be a difficult recovery for many of those affected.

As a Chamber we’re doing all we can to lobby the Regional Development Agency for financial support, as was made available during the previous flooding crisis in the county, and we understand that this will be forthcoming.  Alongside this we’re here to support businesses and a practical action checklist and toolkit.  We’ll also be contacting businesses proactively to find out the help and support required on the ground.

Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has quickly reacted to the situation, “It is important to remember that the whole of Cumbria isn’t affected, we’re aiming to help businesses affected get up and running in some shape or form very quickly – the best thing we can do as individuals to support those business people affected is to spend money with them.  We’re drawing on our previous experience of the Carlisle floods and Foot & Mouth scheme to help businesses on a practical level and will be working with a number of partners such as Cumbria County Council, Business Link, Invest in Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism, NWDA and other agencies to ensure the right help and support is available.”

We’re also gathering together representatives of our banking action group to discuss how businesses are supported moving forward.

Anyone affected by the flooding should call 0845 226 0040 to let us know what support is required.

Anyone requiring access to a business adviser should contact Business Link on 0845 00 66 888.

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We’ve also produced a list of useful contact details, to view the list click here

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has a special Helpline for any affected by the recent floods. For further details click here