Business Link offers flood lifeline

Businesses affected, or in danger of being affected, by flooding across the UK were today urged to contact Business Link for help and advice.

Business Link, the free business information and advice service, has created a flood risk assessment guide available at businesslink.gov.uk/flooding where businesses can find the information they may need on how to:

· Assess the risk of flooding

· Draw up a flood plan

· Insure their business against flooding

· Reduce potential flood damage

· Train employees to deal with flooding

· Deal with the aftermath of a flood

Business Link Adviser Erica Russell said: "Simple preparation and planning can help dramatically reduce the effects of flooding. Businesses who prepare for flooding, for example, can save up to 90% of the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment. We can advise how that can be achieved and are keen to help."

In the Pitt Review, an independent publication on the flooding emergency commissioned by the Government (published in June 2008), it was said that the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) provided a “crucial link between the needs of business and the policies of the Government”, putting businesses in touch with the necessary support and quickly and efficiently responding to the needs of local businesses.

For more information and guidance go to businesslink.gov.uk/flooding. Or contact your local Business Link on 0845 600 9 006.