WIREDGOV

In just 3 weeks over 550 businesses have registered their details on a new online Open for Business map. 

• new online map showing open businesses after recent floods reaches over 550 entries within weeks
• minister urges more businesses to get involved
• ‘crowdsourcing’ model means information added quickly and growing all the time

Three months on from the devastation caused by Storm Eva, over 550 flood-affected businesses are getting back to normal and open for business according to new figures out today.

Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton praised the way communities had rallied round to support those affected by December’s devastating floods, and pledged the government’s continued support.

In just 3 weeks over 550 businesses have registered their details to advertise that they are reopening their doors to residents and tourists alike, thanks to a dedicated online Open for Business map.

As summer holidays and weekend breaks start to be booked, Mr Wharton urged more businesses across Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire to register their details and show that they are open for business.

James Wharton said:

To see this interactive map reach over 500 users within a few weeks just goes to show the resilience of the communities affected by this winter’s flooding, and their determination to get life back to normal as soon as possible.

Hard-working business owners and their wider communities are saying loud and clear that they are open for business with their pins in the map, and I would now urge others across the North to build on this success.

Support for business

The government has made clear its commitment to stand fully behind flood-affected communities following this winter’s record-breaking rainfall.

Ministers have announced a package of support worth over £200 million – including £5 million dedicated funding for flood-affected businesses, available to local businesses through their local councils.

Those wanting to upload details of companies re-opening in flood-affected areas can visit the online mapwhere they can complete a simple form with details of their business – including location and opening times.

Anyone uploading details will also be able to tweet them, using the dedicated #OpenforBusiness hashtag.

The map provides an easily accessible place for:

• businesses who want to let their communities – and those travelling to their area – know that they are open
• customers who can offer their support to their favourite business as it gets back up and running
• tourists who will be able to see at a glance what is open in any particular area as they plan their holiday

Further information

In addition to funding for businesses, the £200 million government support for flood-affected areas also includes:

• resilience grants of up to £5,000 for people to protect their homes against future floods, for example by new flood barriers, replace doors and windows with water resistant alternatives, or move electricity sockets up to a safer level

• ensuring that flood affected communities will not face Council Tax or Business Rates bills for their homes and businesses for as long as they are out of their properties

• grants worth up to £20,000 under the Farming Recovery Fund to help farmers whose agricultural land has been affected.

You can see the businesses that have already told us they are #OpenForBusiness in the full screen map.

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