The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today announced the establishment of a half-million pound fund to assist businesses that have been affected by the floods across the country.

The FSB has set aside the sum of £500,000 as a fund available to grant short-term interest free loans (not exceeding £5,000 per individual case) to any FSB member suffering severe trading hardship resulting from the present flood crisis - especially where there is no other financial support available to them.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman, said he has been horrified at the extent of the devastation from the recent flooding across the country and the FSB were determined to help their members get back on their feet as soon as possible following the disruption.

The FSB have operated a similar assistance fund before during the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001.