News Article

Morpeth’s businesses that were affected by the floods are being reminded of the financial support available, with the beginning of a telephone study into the economic impact of recent events. 

Castle Morpeth Borough Council, with support from contact centre provider Emax, is contacting over 500 affected companies to make them aware of the support that’s available and to understand the full impact of the floods on Morpeth’s economy.

Emax - based at the Silverlink, North Tyneside - has offered to assist the council’s Economic Recovery Group in completing the needs assessment, free of charge.  Paul McFarling, director of Emax, said: “As a businessman myself I can only try to understand the distress, difficultly and upset caused by the recent floods. 

“We are pleased to lend our support and highlight that there is financial help available to help businesses get back on their feet.”

Business Link brokers can help businesses affected by the floods to apply for a flood relief financial assistance package through the North East England Investment Centre, which is distributing £500,000 funding supplied by One North East.  The funding can be used to cover costs associated with the flooding, such as clean up, wages and insurance excesses.  Applications will be fast-tracked to ensure quick payouts. 
 
Ailsa Coverdale chairs the Economic Recovery Group, which was established within days of the flooding to help local businesses get trading again as soon as possible.  It comprises Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Business Link, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Business Services, Castle Morpeth Business Forum, Morpeth Chamber of Trade and One North East. 

She said: “It’s vital that we quantify the full scope and financial impact of the floods in order to support Morpeth’s businesses to the best of our ability.

“We know that many businesses affected by the floods recovered very quickly and the majority of businesses in Morpeth continue to be open for business.  I would encourage Morpeth residents to get behind their local businesses, by spending time and money in the town.  By working together we can make sure Morpeth recovers from this crisis as soon as possible.” 

One North East’s rural board member, Ian Brown, said: “This funding is already making a real and rapid difference for firms on the ground, but it’s important that we continue raising awareness amongst other businesses who haven’t yet explored the support open to them.”
Since being launched on 11th September, 65 client meetings have taken place with Business Link - 37 in Castle Morpeth, 14 in the Alnwick district, 10 in the Berwick district, three in Tynedale and one in Tyne and Wear - claiming a total of £65,927.19 to date.

For more information about the flood support package, call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit Morpeth Business Advice Centre on Newgate Street.

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Media contact: Wendy Gallagher at Persuasion public relations on 0845 071 0678 or wendy.gallagher@persuasion-pr.com.