smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has doubled the business recovery fund aimed at helping flood-affected businesses to £2 million.

Announcing the increase, the organisation's chief executive Tom Riordan added that the first payment had been sent to a company in Rotherham.

'Yorkshire Forward reacted speedily to support businesses, and I am delighted that we are able to double the amount of money available to business, and that the first of the business recovery grants has been awarded,' he says.

'We know how important it is for businesses to be able to access funding and other support quickly in order to counter the effects of natural disasters like flooding.'

Business and enterprise secretary John Hutton has been speaking to affected businesses and says: 'Machinery needs to be replaced, buildings have to be dried out and repaired, bills have to be paid, customers contacted, jobs preserved. Every flooded home and school is important, but businesses matter too. They provide jobs as well as vital goods and services.'

Affected small businesses in the region can apply for up to £2,500 for immediate recovery needs.