Support hub created for firms impacted by riots

There has been violent disorder in towns and cities across the nation since three young girls were killed in Southport last week.

Structured around practical and economic support, safety and public areas alongside wellbeing for staff and operators, the hub​ aims to signpost businesses towards helpful advice and guidance.

It includes advice on compensation for victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot, business activity having to stop as a result of riot activity, collaborating with local authorities, business and police as well as wellbeing support for hospitality staff.

Advice given

It advises operators if business ceases trading as a result of riot activity, they should contact suppliers/landlord, utility providers as soon as possible to update on the situation and potential assistance with delaying payments due and other support.

Furthermore, the hub urges operators to liaise with other businesses, which can be done via local partnership schemes such as Pubwatch, Best Bar None, Purple Flag, Safer Business Network and Business Improvement Districts.

The hub will continue to be updated.

Distressing time

UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “It was heart-wrenching to see the awful scenes in some of our towns and high streets over the weekend and to see hospitality businesses and guests targeted and affected.

“This will have been an extraordinarily distressing time for those affected and there is an abundance of resources available to help, from business compensation and safety to wellbeing support and we’ve collated that into one place for easy access.

“I hope critical services like insurance providers and banks, as well as local authorities, will all be on an emergency footing to help those affected businesses swiftly, to ensure they can recover quickly.”