THE Federation of Small Businesses in the North-west has urged all major banks and government agencies to be tolerant with demands for repayments during the foot and mouth crisis.
It has written to the major banks, the British Bankers Association, the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise and the Local Government Association requesting restraint in demands for repayments of loans and overdrafts, tax, national insurance and business rates. The FSB says businesses in the transport, retail, leisure, tourism and service sectors, in particular, are experiencing cash flow difficulties.
Regional Policy Development Officer Paul Henly said: "In many cases, business is in a critical condition and owners of small firms are working very hard to keep their business a viable concern, paying staff and suppliers and trying to make ends meet in these difficult circumstances.
"The spread of foot and mouth is serious, but it is temporary. We are urging tolerance to allow businesses breathing space to get over this troublesome time."
The FSB has established a £500,000 fund for interest free loans to members affected by the crisis who do not qualify for government help.
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