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The recent torrential rainfall that has plagued parts of the country has had a devastating, potentially fatal effect on thousands of small businesses throughout the UK. In the space of five weeks, severe flooding has impacted on almost 500,000 properties in the north-east, midlands, south-west and south-east of the UK, with many small businesses included in amongst those casualties. With gloomy estimates of around six months or longer to get the affected areas back into full-working order, can these small businesses survive or will many be shutting up shop this year?

Whether traditional bricks and mortar or the new breed of small business that is thriving solely on the web, the floods hit a wide variety of enterprises. Thankfully, help is at hand jointly from the Federation of Small Businesses and Her Majestys Revenue and Customs. The FSB has recently announced a 500k relief fund offering members interest free loans to help them through the recovery time, and the HMRC is to offer tax assistance to those affected by the recent floods.

Acting as a business finder for the local community, the FSB also protects and promotes the interests of the self-employed and all those who run their own businesses and recently applauded the HMRC decision. The FSB National Chairman John Wright said:

"I warmly welcome the decision by HMRC to offer businesses help with their taxes in the short term as they recover from the floods. All assistance is gratefully received as the flood waters recede and this will go a long way to ensure that more businesses can remain solvent until they can trade again."

In addition to the HMRC help, the FSB are offering each affected member interest-free loans of up to 5,000 from the relief fund in a move that should help local businesses cope better with the floods aftermath.

However, there is a silver lining for small businesses near the flood areas that have not been directly affected by the disastrous consequences of the floods. There will inevitably be a huge demand for local traders and small businesses to help in the effort to restore homes to their former glory, and to supply white goods, carpets, curtains and furniture ruined by the floods. No doubt flood affected householders will be frantically searching their local business listings to find tradesmen who can help repair and restore their homes and supply replacement goods. Indeed, some of the badly hit small businesses may be helped on the fast track to recovery, and in return may be able to help other flood-hit businesses to remain solvent via their own trade.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.