Hitachi’s fund to help flood-hit firms

HITACHI CAPITAL Business Finance has set up a multi-million zero per cent interest Rural Emergency Fund to support flood-hit rural and local businesses in meeting unforeseen costs.

With many areas of the country facing further flood alerts over the next few days – with 115 areas expected to be hit – the asset finance firm is setting up the initiative to help out.

Hitachi has allocated shortterm funding of £5m to assist rural and local businesses who need to replace or invest in equipment that may be required as a result of the flooding.

Gavin Wraith-Carter, managing director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance, said: “Hitachi

Capital has a long-standing involvement in the agricultural and commercial industries and it is important for us to stand shoulder to shoulder with them when they tackle the implications of extreme weather which can put their business at risk.

“The feedback from our approved brokers and vendors is that farmers and rural businesses are going to need financial support through this tough and challenging time.

“We are very aware how vital cash flow is for many farmers and small business owners, and we want to go beyond the call of duty and be there when they need us, supporting rural businesses in funding unforeseen capital expenditure needs.”