West Midlands region jewellery industry crowns European visit - Businesses in the West Midlands that were physically affected or have lost significant levels of trade as a direct result of floods during the summer are being offer the chance to tap into an initial £2 million loan fund announced today by Advantage West Midlands. Since the flooding in June and July, Business Link West Midlands has been working with a team of more than 40 advisers to support companies across the region which have been affected by the floods. The Flood Recovery Loan funded by Advantage West Midlands will be available to companies who have developed recovery plans with Business Link West Midlands but have been unable to get all of the finance they need from their own and mainstream commercial sources to implement them. In these circumstances, loans of up to £20,000 over two years can be applied for, which will be interest free for the first year with no repayments for the first six months. Companies who have been affected should continue to use Business Link West Midlands as their first point of contact by calling 0845 113 1234 and, where appropriate, they will arrange a visit from an adviser.