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A £3m fund offering help to small businesses affected by this month's riots and looting has been launched today.
A coalition of businesses, supported by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, announced a High Street Fund offering cash to smaller firms hit by the disturbances.
Major companies including Barclays, BP, Capita, Deloitte and Lloyds Banking Group will contribute to the fund and the mayor’s office will put up £500,000.
It is in addition to a £20m High Street Support Scheme set up by the prime minister.
The main aim it to put in place short-term help to try to keep firms trading while they wait for insurance payouts or other funding to come through.
Small firms will be given the opportunity to receive up to £2,000 to help repair damage or pay staff wages.
David Cameron applauded the contribution made by the private sector to getting communities back on their feet in the areas affected by the rioting.
The prime minister said the fund is a "great example" of British business putting something back.
He said: "Big companies are helping smaller ones affected by the riots to get back on their feet and prosper once again. Alongside the government's £20m High Street Support Scheme, it will be a big help for those people looking to get back to work as soon as possible."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "It is no secret that many high streets in the capital are still suffering as a result of the appalling events earlier this month.
"Small businesses need urgent help to repair damage and get goods back on the shelves and the High Street Fund will help to do just that.
"I have absolutely no doubt that if we pull together and give our support to the fund we can ensure that London emerges as a stronger and even more prosperous city than before."
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