The disruption to air travel caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption was continuing to have an increasing impact on Midlands businesses today.

Delays to travel by personnel and the distribution of freight movements were forcing some businesses to make alternative arrangements.

As a result, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI) is undertaking an emergency survey of its members to assess how widespread the problems are and what can be done to help.

BCI chief executive Jerry Blackett said: "Clearly, the longer the problem continues the bigger impact it is going to have on all shapes and sizes of business in the Midlands.

"As a result, the Chamber is undertaking an extensive survey of its members to assess if we can help. We have wide international contacts that could come into play if firms need assistance abroad.

"Also members of our own staff are abroad or are due to travel so we will be keeping a close eye on the situation."

Helping business comes naturally to Chamber staff and the International team at Chamber House has given office space to stranded EU partners from Bulgaria and Hungary. They are part of a delegation which arrived in the UK last Wednesday evening to attend a creative industries working group. Some of those delegates who tried to return to the EU have had horrendous journeys.