Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing losses of more than £7 billion from the worst Winter in decades, according to new research by Lloyds TSB Commercial.

70% of SMEs have been affected by the freezing conditions that have wreaked havoc across many parts of Britain. 39% have been directly affected with their premises being closed or cut off. 42% have suffered indirectly with disrupted supply channels or obstructed delivery routes.

23% of SMEs have been lucky enough to emerge unaffected. Only 7% have been fortunate enough to take advantage of the conditions and have actually prospered during the Winter months.

Businesses in Wales suffered the most direct impact (59%) alongside firms in the North West (48%). Companies in the Midlands appear to have fared better than anywhere else with a third (33%) in the East Midlands experiencing a direct impact and around the same number (30%) directly impacted in the West Midlands.

37% of SMEs were forced to close down for at least a day, while 14% had to halt business for at least five days.

The disruption caused by the harsh winter conditions has had a direct financial impact on the bottom line for 56% of SMEs. 36% claim to have taken a hit of up to £10,000. One in eight (13%) estimates the cost to have been somewhere between £10,000 and £30,000. And, 7% believes the cost could be more than £30,000.

Only 4% believe that the cost to their business could be more than £50,000.

The additional cost of Winter comes at a time when 36% of SMEs have reported negative growth in the last financial year.

Stephen Pegge, head of external affairs for Lloyds TSB Commercial said: “Business have faced a double blow over the past few months. They have had to grapple with the downturn in trade as a result of the recession