Harper Macleod, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, will this week provide free legal and insurance clinics to businesses affected by the fire which devastated Glasgow School of Art and surrounding businesses.

On Thursday, 4 July from 2.30pm–5.30pm, the firm will host two drop-in sessions for businesses, including many self-employed and micro businesses, at The Mitchell Library, North Street Glasgow.

One of the sessions will focus on general business-related advice for those struggling in the aftermath of the fire, while the other will cover specifics in relation to insurance and what may or may not be covered by businesses own insurers.

Harper Macleod already advises many of the city’s SMEs after last year being appointed by Glasgow City Council as part of its comprehensive business growth framework of support services. Now it has answered the call to extend this help to businesses most in need of support.

Paula Skinner, partner and business adviser at Harper Macleod, said: “As a business which itself grew in Glasgow, we are happy to lend our support to others who are facing up to a host of challenges in this unprecedented situation.

“Many of the small businesses affected by these dreadful events are facing severe difficulties as they try to limit the damage to their businesses, and indeed to survive.

“Our people are specialists in helping businesses deal with all manner of issues, and our specialists in commercial matters and insurance will hopefully be able to help guide affected businesses through what is an unprecedented situation for them.”

Areas around both fire sites are still affected by “exclusion zones”, meaning some traders cannot gain access to their premises, far less continue to trade from them.

Glasgow City Council has already put in place a reduction of rates for traders affected by the fire, and indeed those affected by the fire on Sauchiehall Street in March of this year.