BUSINESSES across Dorset and Hampshire risk being wiped out by an autumn aftershock of the foot-and-mouth crisis, it is feared.

Firms which supply the leisure industry are likely to start feeling knock-on effects from the crisis when the summer season has finished.

Hotels, restaurants and other tourism outlets which lost trade are likely to postpone refurbishments in the autumn, warns Lloyds TSB.

Dorset and the New Forest had no cases of foot-and-mouth but tourism was still affected.

Now that could hit suppliers later this year as the fall in cashflow filters down the chain.

Lloyds TSB senior business banking manager Geoff Painter said: "Foot-and-mouth was miles away from here but the economy still suffered.

"When those businesses get to October they won't have as much cash so they won't repair their premises or refurbish rooms," said Mr Painter, who is based in Lloyds TSB's Poole High Street branch.

Companies are far more likely to survive if they have developed a business continuity plan:

Analyse cashflow - ensure there is enough working capital available;

But be careful when using discounts to bring in cash, don't undermine your long-term future;

Contact your bank manager regularly with trading updates;

Maintain regular contact with key customers;

Focus attention on selling your most profitable products;

Ask suppliers for more frequent deliveries to reduce stock levels;

Watch your competitors.

Remain firm when setting credit limits and chase late payers.