Previsico survey reveals fewer than 30% of UK businesses are prepared for increasing flood impacts due to climate change
- Written by
Stephanie Hendries- Published
- May 21, 2025
Previsico has published its ‘2025 State of Flood Resilience’ report, launched at its live event at Lloyd’s, ‘The next big wave: tackling flood risks in an age of climate change’, which revealed a clear disconnect between awareness of flood risks and actual preparedness across UK businesses.
The report, based on insights from over 100 senior leaders and risk professionals, calls for immediate and coordinated action to build flood resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events due to climate change.
Jonathan Jackson, CEO of Previsico, said: “Flooding is no longer a distant possibility—it is a present and growing reality. With extreme weather events accelerating, it’s critical that we recognise, adapt, and prepare for the impacts of flooding. This report shows that while awareness is rising, meaningful action is lagging behind. We must close the gap between knowledge and resilience.”
Key findings from the report include:
- 43% of businesses have already experienced flooding, but only 29.76% have a flood action plan, exposing a serious preparedness gap.
- Only 8.16% feel extremely confident in dealing with a flood, and just 12% say they are very prepared for extreme weather overall.
- 87% are concerned about surface water flooding, the most unpredictable and damaging type, yet 65% lack early warning systems to respond.
- Businesses cite business continuity (51%) and health and safety (26.5%) as top concerns—highlighting the critical need to act before disaster strikes.
- Despite growing risk, 93% are not using parametric insurance to manage financial exposure—missing out on faster, trigger-based recovery solutions.
A host of expert panellists joined Previsico at their in-person event to discuss the impacts of climate change and the findings of the report. The panel included renowned TV presenter and conservationist, Chris Packham, Head of Food System Transformation at environmental action NGO WRAP, Estelle Herszenhorn and UK Strategy Director at Equans, Karl Limbert.
Chris Packham – TV presenter & conservationist, said: "We are an enormously resourceful, intelligent, adaptable, and creative species. We are in a position now where we are conscious of the damage we are doing and we ought to be addressing that. When it comes to flooding, the impacts are significant and broad. Flooding overwhelms our infrastructure, and impacts our agriculture...I see climate breakdown every time I look outside my window.”
Jackson added: “With the right strategies—flood plans, early warnings, and innovative insurance solutions—up to 70% of losses can be mitigated. We’re urging both insurers and the insured to act now. It’s no longer about if you’ll be affected, but when.”
Previsico continues to work with global insurers, public sector bodies, and businesses of all sizes to provide real-time, actionable flood forecasting. The company’s proprietary technology enables clients to receive hyperlocal alerts and take immediate action to protect lives, assets, and operations.
This year’s report shows a clear issue around flood awareness and preparedness, there are still reasons to be optimistic.