Lincolnshire businesses discuss resilience

On 15th January, businesses from across Lincolnshire attended a workshop facilitated by Climate East Midlands, and hosted by Simons Group in Lincoln, to find out more about increasing their resilience to severe weather. The workshop was the second in a series of workshops across the East Midlands, and part of Climate East Midlands' Building Business Resilience project, funded by the Environment Agency.

Rosi Fieldson, Head of Environment at Simons Group, gave a presentation introducing severe weather impacts on businesses and the economy. She described how leading businesses are starting to consider the effects that climate change could have on their operations and supply chains, and manage the risks accordingly. Rosi included some case studies of construction projects that Simons Group is working on or has recently completed, demonstrating how resilience to severe weather and climate change has been built-in to prolong the life of the buildings, keeping temperatures comfortable, and reducing the risk of flooding.

Sue Whitton from the Lincolnshire Joint Emergency Management Service introduced the Community Risk Register for Lincolnshire, which helped to illustrate the importance of including severe weather in business continuity planning. Sue explained the benefits of business continuity planning, how to get senior management and board member buy-in, and gave advice on how to implement business contintuity management. She also covered the things to consider to ensure that a supplier has an effective business continuity plan in place.

John Ray from the Environment Agency gave an overview of the history of flooding in Lincolnshire, and the current level of flood risk, the key message being that the county is one of the most low-lying and vulnerable to flooding in the UK. However, John and Sue were able to reassure the workshop participants that as a result of focused, coordinated work over recent years, the county is also one of the best prepared for flooding in the UK. He then explained the EA's work to reduce the risk of flooding in Lincolnshire, through new flood defences, maintenance works and flood warnings, and how they work with partners. John and his colleagues provided participants with an opportunity to sign up for the EA's flood warning service during the workshop.

The workshop was a mixture of presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Some interesting topics discussed included whether having a business continuity plan would lead to a reduced insurance premium, and the dialogue needed between businesses and their insurers. One of the participants was an insurance specialist so was able to provide useful insights.

It was notable at this workshop that a number of participants were representing companies that offer solutions to those affected by severe weather events, including speed-drying services for flooded buildings. It was evident that there are companies out there taking advantage of the business opportunities that severe weather and climate change have to offer.

We received very positive feedback on the workshop from the participants:

• "Very thought provoking and a useful networking opportunity."
• "Very useful. We have a Business Contintuity Plan in place - workshop raised a few ideas and further thoughts."
• "[I will] share with colleagues, publish [a] report internally for further discussion with a view to action."
• "First class."

If you would like to find out about forthcoming business resilience workshops, please see our Events section.