Small businesses have suffered from the heavy snow

Results from the Federation of Small Businesses show that one in seven staff could not make it into work during the severe weather earlier this winter.

A loss of growth was reported by three in ten and business services and goods were disrupted for 40 per cent of those questioned.

Travel disruptions prevented 29 per cent getting to work and 11 per cent said they had to stay at home to look after their children because of school closures.

John Wright, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said that whilst small firms have adapted to the weather by implementing flexible working hours and remote working, the country as a whole needs to be better prepared for snow by improving the gritting of roads.

With a report by the UK Roads Liaison Group concluding that "climate change is likely to mean more severe and more frequent severe weather events", small businesses could be coping with heavy snow on a more regular basis in years to come.

For more information on Financial Services visit our Financial Services section.