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Cumbria Chamber's Advice for Flood-Hit Businesses - Fleximize

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce's Advice for Flood-Hit Businesses

Crucial guidance is available for businesses affected by Storm Desmond

7th December 2015

By Elma Glasgow

The people of Cumbria are again struggling to cope with the aftermath of severe winter weather. This time it was caused by Storm Desmond, which brought one month’s average rainfall in just 24 hours on Saturday 5 December.

Figures are unclear at the moment: the government estimates more than 2,000 Cumbrian properties are flooded, but the Cumbria police say it’s around 4-5,000. As local communities pull together to cope, the region’s Chamber of Commerce is offering essential advice for business owners struggling to get through yet another major weather-related incident.

To support businesses, the Chamber is offering advice to help them recover. The Chamber said that the advice was originally offered as part of the 2010 Flood Recovery Grants scheme, when more than £1 million was offered to around 214 firms to help them get back to business.

“Cumbria County Council said damage estimated at £124m was caused to shops, farms and factories during last year's floods.”

BBC News website, November 2010

Although the Chamber is currently assessing the damage to businesses, it’s yet to be confirmed whether it will again offer financial support for businesses.

As businesses start cleaning up on Monday, throwing out ruined stock and beginning the process of recovery, the guidance on dealing with insurance and finance, and other essential issues, will no doubt be invaluable once again. Below are just a few of the Chamber’s pointers, and additional details on preparing for an emergency are available on the Cumbria County Council website: www.cumbria.gov.uk/emergencyplanning/business.asp.

Insurance advice

Managing finance

Advisers are also available, free of charge, to help businesses deal with the immediate impact and support them through steps to recovery. Call 0844 257 8450 or email [email protected].