Stick to the facts should flooding hit a business

1. Let your insurers know what has happened. Do all that you can to prevent any further damage '“ and where flooding has been severe, ensure all utilities are switched off.
Peter Sargent, consultant at BHP Clough Corporate SolutionsPeter Sargent, consultant at BHP Clough Corporate Solutions
Peter Sargent, consultant at BHP Clough Corporate Solutions

2. Think about where you and your team could work from. Is working from home an option? Perhaps you can source temporary office accommodation.

3. Take photographs of the damage to help with your insurance claim. Note all costs for temporary repairs as well as extraordinary expenses. Remove any undamaged stock and keep it somewhere safe.

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4. If you are a tenanted business, contact the landlord and ensure that they are taking on their responsibilities as soon as possible. If you own your premises engage a specialist damage management company to help you get back on track.

5. Government compensation for the recent floods is being delivered at a local level, so in some areas council tax and some utility bills have already been waived or postponed. Give HMRC a call on 0800 904 7900 and see where you stand.

6. Don’t hide facts from customers and suppliers, tell them what has happened and how you are dealing with it. They will have read about it and will be concerned, your actions and reassurances will give them confidence.

7. Make sure you have a back-up plan in the future for if disaster strikes.

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8. For the future designate somebody to take the lead and have a small team who can meet rapidly both physically and remotely to co-ordinate action at any time of day or night.

9. Accounting systems should be backed up off site at least daily, so they can be remotely accessed at all times.

10. Make sure you know your premises going forward. Review the drainage, flood defences and hydrology around the site.

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