smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Assistance is being offered to those businesses that have fallen victim to the UK's recent serious flooding crisis.

Homes and business premises across the country have been subject to huge loss and damage in two major waves of flooding, with Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire all hit badly at times in the last two months.

To help address ensuing problems, HM Revenue & Customs has set up a new helpline number (0845 3000 157) to offer affected firms advice on a number of tax problems they may be facing. The government has also confirmed the early introduction of retrospective legislation to waive interest and surcharges on tax paid late due to the floods.

Leading bank Lloyds TSB has also launched a new website, www.helpimflooded.co.uk, which will offer up-to-date business advice and guidance for firms still reeling from the flooding.

'During this difficult time, we wanted to try and help the general public as quickly as possible,' comments Simon Roberts, eBusiness implementation manager at Lloyds TSB Insurance.

'We are extremely pleased with the outcome and have had some great feedback from our customers. We will be continually updating the website to provide as much information as possible over the coming weeks.'

Latest insurance industry figures show that more than 10,000 claims have now been made by businesses across the country as a result of the June and July floods.