Previsico sounds alarm as most UK firms lack flood resilience plans

May 22, 2025

Fewer than 30% of UK businesses are ready to face the increasing threat of flooding linked to climate change, according to new findings from InsurTech firm Previsico.

The data comes from its latest publication, the ‘2025 State of Flood Resilience’ report, unveiled during a live event at Lloyd’s titled ‘The next big wave: tackling flood risks in an age of climate change’.

Drawing insights from more than 100 senior business leaders and risk professionals, the report highlights a worrying disparity between growing flood risk awareness and the practical steps being taken to address it. With climate-related extreme weather events becoming more common, Previsico is calling for urgent and collaborative action to boost flood resilience across UK businesses.

Previsico CEO Jonathan Jackson 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.”

Among the report’s most striking findings: 43% of companies have already experienced a flood event, yet only 29.76% have an active flood plan. Confidence remains low, with just 8.16% of respondents saying they feel extremely confident about managing a flood scenario, and only 12% claiming to be very prepared for extreme weather in general.

The report also revealed that 87% of businesses are concerned about surface water flooding—considered the most difficult type to predict and manage—but 65% still lack early warning systems. Top concerns for businesses include maintaining continuity (51%) and protecting health and safety (26.5%). Despite these risks, a staggering 93% of firms are not leveraging parametric insurance to secure quicker post-flood recovery.

Previsico hosted a panel of expert voices to explore the report’s implications and broader flood risk challenges. Speakers included TV presenter and environmentalist Chris Packham; Estelle Herszenhorn, head of food system transformation at WRAP; and Karl Limbert, UK strategy director at Equans.

Chris Packham 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 concluded, “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.”