Independent retailers who have been affected by the senseless violence sweeping the nation over the past three nights have been advised to get claims for damages in within seven days or risk losing out.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman said on Twitter, “Retailers need to get insurance claims in quickly (7 days) under the Riot Damages Act (1886) which STILL covers incidents like this.”
Talking Retail spoke to City law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP who explained that claims for riot damage must be filed typically within 7 days. If they do so the insurer can make a claim for damages against the police under the Riot Damages Act.
Resources for retailers
I visited a retailer in Hackney this morning who had lost everything. The shop counter was gone, torn to pieces, and not a shred of stock was left. The image featured here is from his shop, and as you can see, the shelves are bare.
He said to me that he had no contents insurance, so this piece of legislation could really help him. Meanwhile, the ACS have been issuing retailers with advice ahead of possible continued violence this evening:
- If violence is occurring in the locality, and if in doubt, close your store and use shutters where possible to protect the business.
- Consider where you and your staff will be safest, and go there swiftly.
Rav Garcha, who owns two shops in the midlands is a testament to this having earlier tweeted, “Do not attempt to protect ur business. Please all if u have a business stay away do not get involved. We were hit 4 times while we were in repairing damage.”
Steve Denham
10/08/2011
This is truly shocking, I know how my wife and I felt after dealing with the physical and psychological effects of a buglary. What these poor retailers must be facing to recover from this mindless attack on their business I can’t imagine. I do hope that they are NFRN members because the Federation is a great organisation that will support members through this crisis.
My heart felt best wishes for a speedy recovery.
PS see what your supplier can do to help you get back in business, talk to your local councillor because you are a rate payer and a constituent and of course don’t forget your customers because they won’t forget you.
Jai Singh
15/08/2011
These mindless people should be made to help re-build businesses that have suffered as a result of their actions.
I hope the retailer gets trading again. If you contact suppliers they can help with providing chillers (Pepsico) and also Cig Gantry (Imperial or Gallaher). Shelving can also be sourced 2nd hand and im sure a few regulars may be tradesmen that can help in other areas of the shop.
Hope your business gets back on track asap.
Chander Hingorani
15/08/2011
Majoor banks have today announced plans to help small retailers who were affected by the recent riots. HSBC, RBS and Natwest are offering interest free loans of £25000 for six months to help retailers get back and start their business again. This is very commendable and retailers should act fast and approach their branches ASAP. The Government is also helping the retailers by temporarily suspending payment of council tax and business rates. Much more help will be needed in the coming months to help these hard hit, innocent retailers who have lost their livelyhood through no fault of their own. Perhaps suppliers of other goods and services could also help by extending credit terms.
Every little bit helps.