Government Support Scheme for small and medium sized businesses - Update

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) affected by the recent public disorders can now benefit from a new £20 million High Street Support Scheme.

The Government is making the funding available through local authorities to help SMEs and high streets get back on their feet following the disturbances.

The scheme will support businesses facing cash flow problems whilst they wait for insurance or other claims to be met. It will also help companies with non-refundable exceptional business expenses, and aims to help rebuild business confidence in affected areas.

To qualify for this support, businesses must:

• be small or medium sized enterprises i.e. independents with less than 250 employees worldwide and an annual turnover of less than £11.2 million
• have been based in an area affected by recent disorder between 6-11 August, and
• have suffered losses as a direct result.

Businesses should contact their local authority to make a claim. More detailed information about the High Street Support Scheme and other help for businesses is available at businesslink.gov.uk

The Communities and Local Government website also has details of the support packages being made available for businesses:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1964311