Sadly 2015 did not end happily for many business who, like many members of the Federation of Small Businesses, were once again blighted by floods.

Despite the water, many small firms have been resilient and managed to stay open and support their local communities. I know from personal experience how grateful affected homes and businesses are to anyone helping them get back on their feet.

But as I have written before in the Press, as the water finally starts to lower and the headlines subside, it is imperative that we help to ensure small businesses can access affordable flood insurance. Sadly for many the battle with floods is ongoing and it has been heart wrenching to speak with members who are once again facing the clear up alone because they cannot access flood insurance.

FSB research published in July 2015 showed approximately 75,000 smaller businesses across the UK facing difficulties in finding affordable insurance and 50,000 being refused. This is a longstanding issue. As Ministers and the insurance industry plan to bring in a new Flood Re scheme to back those refused cover, I and my colleagues from across FSB and throughout the UK have expressed our deep concern to Ministers and the insurance industry that the smallest businesses will now be excluded from this legislation.

Much like households, micro-businesses are those least able to negotiate competitive insurance. When the new scheme is introduced in April 2016, the smallest businesses have to be included. If you would be willing to share your experience with me, at what I know is an extremely difficult time, in order to help this lobbying effort, then please contact me on emma.smailes@fsb.org.uk.