Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will offer additional support to small businesses in Rotherham whose sales have been affected by repeated English Defence League marches in that town; and if he will make a statement.

There is a range of support available to help businesses, including those businesses in Rotherham affected by recent marches. Advice and support available for businesses can be found at www.greatbusiness.gov.uk. The Business Support Helpline can also provide advice and support, from quick responses to a personalised and in-depth advice service for more complex needs, and for businesses in crisis. The Helpline is available on Tel: 0300 456 3565.

For those businesses experiencing cashflow problems, Business Debtline provides confidential and independent advice on managing financial difficulties (Tel: 0800 197 6026). In addition, any business facing a short term difficulty which they couldn’t have planned for can always approach HM Revenue & Customs to discuss the possibility of deffering some payments of tax.