Foot-and-mouth victims ignore help

21 May 2001



Foot-and-mouth victims ignore help

By FWi staff

FEWER than one in 10 businesses affected by foot-and-mouth have sought to take advantage of relief measures offered by government, claims a new survey.

Over one-third of 646 businesses questioned by the British Chambers of Commerce said the outbreak had an impact on their business.

The British Chambers of Commerce represents more than 135,000 businesses of all sizes across the economy. It said only 4% of firms had laid off staff.

But the survey also reveals that only 5% of rural businesses have applied for tax deferments and only 6% have applied for business rate relief.

Instead, 28% of firms affected have sought to explore new markets and expand into new areas of work. Only 8% have sought assistance from their bank.

David Sears, deputy director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, indicated that red-tape was putting off some companies from applying for relief.

“It is encouraging to see that firms have sought to remain competitive and limit the impact of foot-and-mouth by creating new opportunities,” he said.

“Concerns remain, particularly for those without the means to develop alternative solutions, over the complex red-tape attached to the relief process.”

The survey shows that 28% of firms have suffered loss of sales or custom, with 14% reporting a deterioration in their cash flow.

• British Chambers of Commerce
  

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