How you can help UK small businesses affected by the floods
Posted: Mon 17th Feb 2014
Enterprise Nation has joined forces to help raise funds for small businesses hit by the storms.
We've worked with Newquay-based Crowdfunder UK to launch the Small Business Storm Relief Fund after a survey on Enterprise Nation revealed one in four of Britain's smallest businesses expected turnover to be impacted by the extreme weather.
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The poll revealed micro and small companies were preparing to see revenues dip because of direct damage to their own premises or that of their customers, with 17 per cent expecting to lose thousands of pounds as a result of the crisis. It found 32 per cent were expecting the freak weather to have a long-term impact on their business.
Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: "Seeing your home submerged or without power is a terrible experience, but with 70 per cent of all new businesses started at home, it's clear the extreme weather we're seeing will have a more profound impact on those who depend on their home-offices as a livelihood.
"Big businesses will be more prepared - but for small companies just starting out, an event like this can be make or break.
"What's also emerging is that trade for these small companies is being seriously affected - with 50 per cent saying they will need help with cash flow to see them through this."
The collaboration is asking unaffected small businesses to make a small donation via the Crowdfunder page to specific flood and storm-battered regions, with their own company logos displayed on the site as a clear message of their support.
The initiative hopes to raise £100,000 over the coming weeks. The funds will be distributed by the UK Community Foundations to small businesses that apply for help.
Kate Stewart, UK Communtiy foundations, said: "UKCF is delighted to be working in partnership with Enterprise Nation & Crowdfunder.co.uk. We recognise the important role small businesses play in communities and our network of community foundations across the UK is well placed to identify those affected by the floods and storms and get them on the road to recovery."
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