Printing firms could be among the first to benefit from measures unveiled by Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers to help businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.


Tourist and retail firms experiencing cashflow problems due to the effects of the disease will also be able to apply for loans of up to 250,000 from the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme (SFLGS).


BPIF director of corporate affairs Mike Hopkins said: "It will be interesting to see if the DTI is going to use trade associations such as ourselves to promote this."


Changes to SFLGS mean businesses that may now apply include tourism, retail outlets, caterers and other local services.


The maximum time for repayment will be increased by one year to 11 years, with capital repayment breaks increased from two to three years.