Rural business urged to talk to banks

‘Banks recognise that there will be longer term viability issues for some businesses arising purely as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak and they will be working with the government’s Small Business Service to explore options including extension of the scope of the small firms loan guarantee scheme to assist businesses in these circumstances,’ said Tim Sweeney, director general of the BBA.

The call comes as an Accountancy Age survey discovered that more than one in five UK businesses have been hurt by the foot-and-mouth crisis so far.Last week’s Accountancy Age/ Reed Accountancy Personnel Big Question survey of more than 300 finance directors found that the impact of the disease is being felt beyond businesses immediately connected with farming. Sectors as diverse as television production, retail, leisure and advertising are already feeling the pinch.

Sweeney said banks would support business hurt by the epidemic.

‘Banks understand the problems being faced by businesses from all sectors affected by the foot and mouth disease outbreak,’ he added.

‘Wherever possible they are keen to support their customers on a case by case basis. All customers in difficulty or expecting problems to occur should contact their manager locally as soon as possible to discuss the options that may be available.’

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group has already agreed to make a £1m donation to charities working to alleviate the personal hardship experienced by farmers and other farm-related businesses affected by the spread of the disease.

Tourism is one of the key industries affected. The Youth Hostels Association has estimated that it will lose over £2m as a result of the outbreak. Last month it closed more than 110 of its 230 youth hostels. However the association has stressed that some hostels – including ones in cities like Manchester – are both open and fully booked.

And as negative publicity on foot and mouth disease rapidly increases, David Marshall, director of exhibitions at Shakespeare’s Globe, has called for the government to move Tourism up on the National agenda.

‘What we have to do is tell people what the real situation is and re-create trust in Britain as a safe destination for any in-bound visitors. The overseas media are not making it clear that foot and mouth disease effects animals only,’ he said.

Links

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Foot-and-mouth hits a fifth of companies

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