Timely advice on business flood defences

Nov 21 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

BUSINESSES at risk of flooding and other severe weather incidents are being offered practical advice to reduce their risks.

The Business Survival workshop is being organised by Prince of Wales’s charity, Business in the Community and Envirowise, and is part of a year-long project funded by regional development agency One North East to help businesses in the region respond to and recover from severe weather events. BITC project manager, Gareth Williams, said: “The workshop will take businesses through a simple checklist to find out what their main risks are, and what they can do to reduce or avoid them.

“Many of the things that businesses can do are very simple, and don’t involve a huge financial outlay. The sad fact is that as we saw in the recent flooding incidents in the region, businesses who don’t assess their risks are more likely to fail when the unexpected hits”.

One business that has already taken heed of this is the Old Red Bull Pub in Morpeth. After reopening following the floods in September 2008, owner Dean Henderson decided to take action and protect his business, purchasing flood protection doors and air brick covers.

Dean said: “If you want to stay in business, you have to plan for these things – it’s no good waiting for the flood defence scheme.

“I’d urge any local business to go along to this workshop and find out about the things they can do to minimise their risks.”

Businesses wanting to find out more about the free evening event at Longhirst Hall in Morpeth on November 25 should telephone Michelle Brannen on (0191) 294-6033 or email michelle.brannen@bitc.org.uk