Money available for flood-hit pubs

The BII and Licensed Trade Charity have issued details on how flood-hit licensees can apply for grants to give them financial support.

Pubs hit in the South East​ are advised to call 0845 600 9006 or go to www.businesslink.gov.uk

Grants of up to £2,500 will be made available to businesses affected.

Licensees in Yorkshire ​should call 0800 022 6201 or visit www.yorkshire-forward.com

Up to £2,500 per company is available for immediate recovery needs.

In the East Midlands​, grants of up to £2,500 are available for immediate recovery needs, but applications must be made by July 31. Call 0845 058 6644 or visit www.emda.org.uk

However, there is certain criteria that applies to the grant awards and licensees are advised to call the helpline first.

For insurance claims:

• Notify your insurance broker as soon as possible. Your insurers will probably want to send a loss adjuster to inspect the damage but this may take some days because of the sheer volume of claims.

• Retain correspondence with insurers after the flood and make sure the company knows where to contact you if you've had to move out of the premises.

• Take photographs or video of the damage to both buildings and contents.

• Mark the water levels on the walls for reference.

• Make a note of any staff resources and other emergency expenses incurred during the clean-up operation.

• Keep trading records, the last set of accounts and details of any increased costs readily available as these will be required for any Business interruption claim

• You may well be approached by claims management companies offering to help you with your claim and negotiate with your insurers. If you decide that you need professional help with your claim, ensure that you deal with a firm that is authorised and regulated by the FSA, who are obliged to handle your claim fairly. Non-authorised companies may be operating illegally.

• If you have one, contact your landlord: Your lease or tenancy agreement will set out clearly who is responsible for which repairs.

Income and Cash flow​

If your cash flow is significantly down and you are strapped for cash, contact utilities, your landlord (if you have one), the local council re business rates and other organisations who supply you with business and domestic services to see if they may negotiate a delay or reduction in payments.

The BII's general advice is:

• Dry out the premises as soon as possible. You may need de-humidifiers or other specialist equipment.

• Do not attempt any repairs until you are sure that the flooding has ceased and the premises have dried fully.

• Follow utilities and emergency services advice: Do not switch on until advised it is safe to do so. Water may still be contaminated.

• Do not attempt to sell any flood-affected stock, which may have been contaminated by sewage.

• Wear protective clothing when handling debris.

For further flood warnings call 0845 988 1188.