A NEW Business Village Agent has been appointed to help flood-affected companies in Somerset.

Community Council for Somerset (CCS) has appointed Nicola Bailey to the role, which has been funded by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Somerset County Council and South Somerset District Council.

An average of £17,352 per business is believed to have been lost in financial terms and productivity in just six weeks of the flooding.

Nicola has spent the last 15 years helping people start and grow businesses. She said: “As a business owner myself I'm fully aware of the realities of running a business.

“I will be able to advise businesses about grants, funding and help that may be available to them, and make applying as easy and smooth as possible”.

If you are a business owner (of any size) and would like to talk to Nicola, please contact: businessva@somersetrcc.org.uk or call 07711 251334.