Flood proposals – good start, more to do
Flood proposals – good start, more to do
FSB welcomes the progress on flood plans set out in today’s National Flood Resilience Review, but says there is still more to do to help small businesses at risk of flooding.
Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman, said:
“Small businesses will be encouraged the Government has today committed to critical investment in infrastructure to tackle the risks posed by flooding to the UK economy.
"Nearly a fifth of businesses directly affected by devastating floods last Christmas are still not fully operational. That's a troubling indication of what could lie ahead as we again approach the winter months. As well as direct flood damage, we know disruption to staff and customers, supply chains, utilities and transport are the most frequently occurring problems for small businesses during severe weather events. So it’s vitally important infrastructure is built to withstand the pressures a flooding event can create.
“But the risk will never be zero. Small businesses also need to be empowered to improve their own resilience through a combination of trusted property-level protection and adequate insurance. FSB has been instrumental in fighting and achieving change in this area. Our research suggests up to 75,000 smaller businesses at risk of flooding could currently struggle to find affordable flood insurance. Small businesses are not covered by the new Flood Re agreement and so FSB is working closely with the Government and insurance industry to explore how high-risk businesses can increase their resilience, reduce their flood risk and, consequentially, reduce their insurance costs.
Notes to Editors
1) HM Government, National Flood Resilience Review, 8 September 2016
2) Federation of Small Businesses, Severe Weather: A more resilient small business community, July 2015
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.