Media centre

Monday 22 Aug 2011

NETWORK RAIL SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES HIT BY LONDON RIOTS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail is helping small businesses in areas hit hardest by the riots by offering one month’s free rent and 50% off each subsequent month’s rent on selected commercial properties up until the end of the year.

The special terms have been introduced to help small enterprises get back up and running as soon as possible and will apply to almost 60 Network Rail commercial premises in London.

Simone Bailey, Network Rail’s head of commercial estate, said: "For many people running small businesses the riots weren’t only frightening and dangerous, they also left some small premises destroyed and so badly damaged that business could no longer continue.

"We have reacted to these unfortunate events and drawn up a list of vacant commercial properties which will be offered on special terms and shorter leases. Most premises will be available to occupy within 24 hours.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of their local community and this is our small way of trying to help them to recover from these appalling events.

"Our main aim is to allow business to get back to normal and through our website we will list available premises with contact details.”

Many units located in railway arches in key city locations are uniquely placed to help small business and the type, style, quantity and size of use ranges from light industrial storage, to leisure, retail and office space.

Network Rail’s commercial property teams managing this initiative can be contacted using the contact details shown against the selected properties found on www.networkrail.co.uk/property or by calling 0800 830 840.