Pip Betts, Flood Innovation Centre’s Project Manager, introduces a new addition to our SME support services
From January 2022, the Flood Innovation Centre will expand its services. We can now support any type of business* to help them understand how they can better protect their own business properties against a flood event.
Flood is an incredibly disruptive and destructive natural disaster, and climate change coupled with increasing urbanisation means that flood events are happening more frequently. Putting protective measures and systems in place now could make a massive difference to a business’ future survival. During the 2007 floods, in Hull alone over 1300 business properties were damaged. The Environment Agency estimates the average cost of damage suffered by businesses during a flood event to be £82,000. As many as 40% of businesses do not reopen after suffering from a flood and a further 25% of businesses that do reopen, go on to fail within a year.
Property flood resilience measures can be used to reduce the amount of flood water entering a property – these are described as flood resistant measures. There are also measures designed to minimise the damage caused by flood waters, described as flood resilience measures. Together they can help businesses bounce back more quickly after experiencing a flood event – minimising negative impacts on their bottom line.
We recognise that there is a lack of awareness of the options available in property flood resilience and how they may be applied. We also know that every business has their own unique premises footprint. This is where the Flood Innovation Centre’s tailored approach comes in. Our Technology Research Managers will work with each business to create a bespoke, innovative solution according to factors including location, flood risk, employee profile, building design etc. Our funding means that this support is provided at no cost to eligible businesses.
The Flood Innovation Centre and the wider team at the University of Hull are committed to increasing the resilience of local and national communities. The climate crisis means that action to mitigate and adapt to flood events has never been so vital.
Are you concerned about flood and its potential impact on your business but don’t know where to start?
Give us a call on 01482 462275, email flic@hull.ac.uk or complete our registration form and we’ll be in touch.
*subject to funding eligibility