The business case for flood resilience

Published: 9 December 2025

Imagine waking up to find your business underwater – literally.

Flooding is a growing reality for thousands of UK businesses as climate-related risks are accelerating. According to the Environment Agency’s national flood risk assessment, over 2 million commercial properties are at high risk of flooding in England alone.

For many businesses it is now a case of when, not if.

While it can be tempting to dismiss flood resilience as an unnecessary expense, it could actually be one of the smartest investments you can make.

Recent research has shown up to 40% of small businesses can close permanently after flooding if not properly prepared.

The hidden cost of inaction

Flooding costs the UK economy £2 billion every year. And it’s not just direct flooding that can affect your business – with a quarter to a third of critical infrastructure also at risk of flooding, some of these costs can come from knock-on supply chain and business continuity issues.

For commercial property owners and businesses, the financial hit can include:

Lost revenue from operational downtime
Repair and replacement costs
Increased insurance premiums
Reputational damage from service interruptions

These aren’t hypothetical risks; they’re real, recurring costs that compound over time.

The £1-to-£8 advantage

Government analysis shows that for every £1 spent on flood resilience, £8 is saved in future damage – that’s an 800% return on investment.

Whether it’s flood barriers, improved drainage, or emergency planning, these measures can pay for themselves many times over.

Why acting now is critical for your business

Protect your critical infrastructure: Flooding can damage machinery, electrical systems, and production lines, leading to costly repairs and operational shutdowns.
Ensure operational continuity: A resilient site avoids prolonged downtime, keeps supply chains intact, and continues to meet customer commitments.
Reduce regulatory and insurance risks: Demonstrating robust resilience measures can lower your insurance premiums and help meet your compliance requirements.
Safeguard your workforce and reputation: A prepared site protects your employees and reinforces your reputation as a reliable partner in the face of climate challenges.

Resilience as a strategic investment

In a world of increasing climate volatility, flood resilience is a strategic imperative. It's understandable to consider whether you can afford to invest in flood resilience, but when the cost of doing nothing outweighs the price of action, the real question is: can you afford not to?

Ready to future-proof your business? Don’t wait for the next flood event to test your preparedness. Talk to our team to learn more about the practical, cost-effective steps we can take to protect your site infrastructure and avoid being one of the 40% that never recovers.