Dry cleaners insurance news - Power cuts trouble London small business owners

Small business owners in West Finchley, North London, including those with dry cleaning shops, have expressed frustration at the loss of business caused by a series of power cuts in the area, dry cleaners insurance claims may follow.

One business owner made clear his frustration at what he feels has been an inadequate response by the power company involved, with only limited compensation so far forthcoming. "I'm fed up of this recession and these power cuts are not helping. The week before Christmas we had another one which was quite short-lived for most people, but I was affected for a whole day," he said.

He also shed light on why he may have to consider making a claim for business interruption, saying, "I had to turn away six more parties then and all they have given me is £100. They said I have to speak to my insurers to get more. How am I supposed to make a living like this?"

Local shop owners have also said that uncertainty about the cuts means that they have to sometimes turn customers away through fear of being unable to offer a consistent and reliable service.

Dry cleaners have been particularly affected as they rely on a constant supply of power in order to be able to meet their customers' needs.

Unfortunately, the cuts have come during the festive season, when, with church events, parties, family get-to-togethers and meals coming thick and fast, people depend on prompt and efficient dry cleaning to keep them looking smart and clean, all of which makes the prospect of claims on dry cleaners insurance for the cuts increasingly likely.

One dry cleaners insurance holder told his local newspaper, "We're all electrical here so there's nothing we can do until we have power back."

He added that, worryingly, the cuts could also have negative consequences for the longer term: "It's frustrating because it's the busy time of year for us and people want their dresses back for New Year celebrations. How can I build up customer trust if they can't get their clothes back?"