That's the message from Paul Jagger, the President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as the city recovers from the Great Flood.

He made his comments to Chamber staff at a special briefing meeting ahead of their return to their flood hit offices and how they will play key role in helping the city's business community recover from the impact of the floods.

Mr Jagger told staff at the meeting at the the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria: "My main message to you all and the rest of the business community is: Sheffield is open for business."

The Chamber, which represents the bulk of business in the city, had to introduce emergency measures after its Albion House offices in Savile Street sustained serious damage.

Basement, lower ground and ground floor offices were submerged in water after the nearby River Don broke its banks. The cost of the damage and loss of business will run to six figures.

Chief Executive Nigel Tomlinson said: "We will be helping all businesses not just Chamber members. We have suspended some of our commercial activities to focus on supporting businesses which need the help the most.

"The main areas we will try to advise businesses on will be clean-up, cash flow and insurance," added Mr Tomlinson.

Chamber staff are involved in a business helpline which has opened as a central point for advice and assistance for businesses suffering due to the floods.

The business helpline has been launched (0800 915 6913) will deliver advice and information to assist Sheffield businesses of all sizes and sectors who have been affected by the flooding.

Mr Tomlinson added: "The helpline will be vital to the Sheffield business community in the coming days and weeks. "We have had many offers of help from our own members as a result of our headquarters being out of action because of the floods. We can help them now and are delighted to be fully involved with this scheme to provide effective partnership help and support to business victims of the flood."

Sheffield Hallam University is offering support to flood hit businesses seeking a temporary office home.

It has made available a soon-to-be renovated building on its Collegiate Site (off Ecclesall Road) for use by businesses requiring offices. The University's Enterprise Team is also ready to offer help. For more information contact the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

• Chamber policy and representation support is accessible to all members.  Members wanting help should contact Policy and Representation Manager, Helen Rana, on 07739 542225. The Chamber is also encouraging members to use its website http://www.scci.org.uk/  where latest information on the flooding and advice for businesses affected by flooding can be found.