Guide for flood-hit businesses

11/09/2008

Businesses struck by the weekend’s flood have been urged to contact Business Link for advice on what to do next.

The organisation has created a flood risk assessment guide, a tool to help businesses understand how to assess the risk of flooding, draw up a flood plan, and insure against flooding.

The guide will also provide information for businesses on how to reduce potential flood damage, train employees to deal with flooding, and deal with the aftermath of a flood.

Business Link adviser Erica Russell said planning and preparation can ‘dramatically’ reduce the effects of flooding.

“Businesses who prepare for flooding, for example, can save up to 90% of the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment. We can advise how that can be achieved and are keen to help,” she said.

In a report published by the government earlier in the summer, experts said Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) provided a ‘crucial’ link between the needs of businesses and the policies of the government.

The Pitt Review said during the summer 2007 floods, RDAs had put ‘quickly and efficiently’ responded to the needs of local businesses.

For more information on the guide, go to businesslink.gov.uk/flooding.