Growth Hub and councils in flood-relief link up

LOCAL authorities across Greater Manchester are working in partnership with the Business Growth Hub, part of Manchester Growth Company, to help businesses affected by the recent floods.

The councils are providing relief from business rates and some financial support for businesses who have been directly affected, while the Business Growth Hub has a range of specialist advisers available to offer support and guidance.

Further financial support is also available, to eligible businesses, through the package of Disaster Recovery Funds supplied by central government.

Firms can apply for a maximum of £10,000, and will receive tailored support depending on their individual requirements.

The support will allow businesses to manage the immediate impact of the flood and allow them to get them back up and running as soon as possible.

Tony Lloyd, interim mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The recent flooding in Greater Manchester devastated businesses across the region.

“This programme offers both financial support and expert advice and I encourage all firms affected to come forward to benefit from it.

“One of our region’s strengths is its resilience and it’s fantastic to see the Business Growth Hub working with Local Authorities to help rebuild and protect people’s livelihoods.”

Richard Jeffery, director at Business Growth Hub, said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of the Greater Manchester economy, so it is imperative that we, working alongside the local authorities, are able to provide support to help local firms get back to business as usual.

“We are here to help companies tackle the challenges they face, offering vital business advice as well as much-needed practical assistance to recover from the damage caused by the recent floods.”

The Hub is working in partnership with Rochdale, Bolton, Manchester, Bury, Salford and Wigan councils, as well as others across Greater Manchester.