'Knock-on effect to small businesses' from G20 protests

Small businesses could find themselves losing out as London braces itself for the impact of demonstrations in the run up to the G20 summit.

Police in the capital say they are determined it will be business as usual, but are nevertheless advising firms to "remain vigilant at all times", as anti-capitalist demonstrators are expected to converge on the Bank of England and other locations as part of "Financial Fools' Day".

Emergency services are readying themselves for an "unprecedented" level of protest, while some websites promoting the events are reported to be advising people to storm buildings.

Among other security measures, City of London Police are telling businesses to consider cancelling all unnecessary meetings and deliveries and stagger staff arrival and departure times.

More Than Business News has learned that one major bank is advising staff to maintain only a minimum presence at its Canary Wharf offices from April 3-4.

It is also advising staff from other sites to cancel non-essential trips to the building in Canada Square, and warning its other offices that there could be disruption to business.

A spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the general disruption could mean small businesses are forced to shut.

"Others may have to stagger hours, so it will have an impact - especially if people are not buying the small ticket items," she added.

"Small businesses have had trouble with the banks and there is a generally frustrated feeling towards them - and that is definitely the case still.

"But they want to get on with their work, so I don't think we will see them being part of the demonstrations."

Concern over the G20 protests appears to have increased after the home of former RBS boss Sir Fred Goodwin was attacked by vandals earlier this week.

IMAGE LEFTERIS PITARAKIS/AP/PA Photos