by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Snow may be damaging for some businesses, but for others it's bonanza time.

Village shops are reporting a surge in trade, with customers stuck at home flocking to their nearest store.

Michael Fenney of Preston Village Stores, near Wingham in East Kent, said: "Trade is thriving, it is like Christmas Eve every day, supplies of have been getting through but bread and milk are restricted to one per customer. "

Andrew Aves, regional organiser for the Kent and Medway Federation of Small Businesses, used to run the sub-post office in Blean, near Canterbury.

He said the snowy conditions were superb for local shops, although the challenge was getting sufficient supplies.

He recalled that in January 1987 when there was another major snowfall, his shop enjoyed the best trading days in three years.

"It is at times like these when communities value their local shop," he said. "Those communities who have lost it are realising what hardship it causes at times like these.

"Where they still have a shop, and are using it during the big freeze, it is important for customers to continue to support it when the snow has gone."

But while some hotels are enjoying a business boost by putting up stranded motorists, others are not doing so well.

Daniel Sanguiseppi of Castlewood Hotels – which include The Burlington at Folkestone and the Abbots Barton, Canterbury, said: "January is traditionally a very quiet time, but this year business is slower than usual. Fortunately most staff live locally so normal full services are being maintained."

Roger House, FSB Kent and Medway chairman, said the Kent economy faced a loss of millions of pounds from the freeze.

But he admitted there were "winners and losers." He added: "This will be a difficult time for many businesses when the economy is fragile, reserves are low and cash flow is tight.

"Having faced a difficult year already from the recession, many small firms will have put continuity plans in place where possible and are prepared to cope with the challenges. As bad weather continues, small businesses will really start to be inventive and come up with practical ways of staying open."

The FSB has estimated that lost productivity due to the snow could result in losses of at least £1.2bn to UK businesses.

If one in 10 staff are unable to make it in to work, that could potentially cost the UK economy £600 million a day.

Other business organisations, including the CBI, have put the cost of the entire workforce staying at home on a bank holiday at £6bn.

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