Of particular concern is that experience has shown that all kinds of companies, and small businesses, get dragged into the maelstrom as they find they cannot pay suppliers due to reduced customers. Experts say that it could take six months, or even a year, before court statistics begin to show the real effect on local economies.

The American Bankruptcy Institute have cited a study on post disasters (including hurricanes) that shows that initially people tend to undergo a period of denial but then petitions for bankruptcy rise dramatically for up to three years after such disasters.

At the moment experts say that most small businesses are in a 'wait and see' stage, probably trying to file claims directly with BP whilst trying to simply 'hang on' and survive.

Unfortunately worldwide media coverage of the BP spill is having a dramatic effect on business, including tourism, even in areas not directly affected