He returned in December with colleague Stephen Banyard, HRMC’s Business Customer Unit director, for an update on the progress being made towards the end of a year that saw parts of the city hit by devastating floods.

The HRMC representatives met up first with Sheffield Chamber chief executive Nigel Tomlinson and policy and representation manager Helen Rana.

The Chamber has been advising and monitoring many Sheffield businesses affected by the floods and the visit offered the opportunity to give an overview of the current situation to the HRMC visitors.

The British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation, Rubber Safety Hygiene Ltd and Torres Engineering and Pumps Ltd were all on HRMC’s itinerary. The organisations were able to outline the impact of June’s floods and demonstrate their recovery work. Issues raised included the climate change levy, possibilities of deferring tax payments and interest, and new measures being implemented to help prevent future damage and devastation.

The Chamber’s Helen Rana said: “Overall, HMRC said it was a very interesting and invaluable visit to ‘get the real picture on the ground’ and we’re glad the Chamber was able to assist.

“It is very important, as we move into the new year, that flood-related problems still continuing to affect businesses in Sheffield are not forgotten. We will continue lobbying on behalf of our members for as long as is needed.”

The Chamber wishes to hear from all business affected by the floods. Contact Helen at the Chamber on 0114 201 8932 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(L-R) HMRC’s Stephen Banyard with Stewart Hodgskin, Chairman of Rubber Safety Hygiene Ltd during the Chamber-organised visit to flood-hit businesses