In 2007, we offered special support to our business customers in rural areas of the UK whose businesses were affected by foot and mouth disease. We also offered help to businesses which suffered in severe floods.

We offered a financial support package to all our customers in flood-affected areas, including repayment holidays on existing and new loans, and extensions to overdraft facilities.

Chris Grigg, Chief Executive, Barclays Commercial Bank, says: "Many businesses in flooded areas were severely affected. We wanted to help wherever possible and as quickly as possible to prevent any cash flow issues and keep our customers in business."

Foot and mouth

When foot and mouth broke out again in 2007, the UK-wide ban on moving livestock meant sales were delayed and animals couldn't be sent to market. We knew many of our agricultural customers would face cash flow difficulties as a result, and put together a support package to help them.

This included repayment breaks on existing loans for an initial six-month period, the offer of new loans, and extended overdraft facilities for essential animal feed supplies.

Martin Redfearn, Barclays National Agricultural Specialist says: "2007 was a difficult and stressful year for the farming industry with the floods and the added issue of foot and mouth. Barclays is absolutely committed to supporting its customers and these measures helped them through this difficult time.”