The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says businesses in flood-hit areas lost an average of £1,531 through disruption and lost trade, amounting to a total loss of £831 million.

Three months since the first flood warnings were raised in December, the FSB said the impact on businesses has been “significant”.

Research by the group shows that 32 per cent of firms in flood-hit areas suffered reduced demand, while transport disruption affected deliveries for 29 per cent. Staff absences hit 16 per cent of businesses, it said.

And the bad news might not yet be at an end, with 37 per cent of FSB members worrying about insurance renewals and more than half expecting premiums to rise.

John Allan, national policy chairman at the FSB, said: "In the past few weeks we have heard countless stories from our members who were left devastated by some of the worst flooding on record.

“Not only have they had to cope with a lack of demand for their services, many have had to close. That is why Government support has been welcome, and with many still affected, why that support needs to be kept under review."