Reinstatement of flood affected properties: experiences of SMEs affected by the 2009 Cockermouth flood event

Gayan Wedawatta, Bingunath Ingirige, David Proverbs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Recent policy changes in the UK encourage at-risk communities to learn to live with and adapt to flooding. Adaptation of individual properties by embracing resilient and resistant measures is an important aspect endorsed therein. Uptake of such protection measures by property owners, including that of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), has traditionally been low. A post-flood situation offers an opportunity to reinstate / reconstruct by integrating flood protection measures, in such a way that reduce damage and enhance the ability to recover in the event of a future flood incidence. In order to investigate the reinstatement / reconstruction experiences of flood affected SMEs, those affected by the 2009 Cockermouth flood event were studied. The results of a questionnaire survey revealed that many SMEs have opted for traditional reinstatement rather than resilient reinstatement. A detailed case study revealed requirements of getting the business back and running as soon as possible, a lack of guidance and advice from professionals and financial concerns as some of the barriers faced by SMEs. It is important that SMEs are provided with necessary guidance during the post-flood reinstatement stage, in order to make sure that the opportunity to build back better, integrating flood-protection measures is grasped by the SME owners. Stakeholders related to the construction industry, who are actively involved with post-flood reinstatement work, have an important role to play in this regard, providing necessary guidance and expertise to flooded SMEs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRICS COBRA 2012
PublisherRICS
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)978-1-84219-840-7
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventThe construction, building and real estate research conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: 11 Sept 201213 Sept 2012

Conference

ConferenceThe construction, building and real estate research conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Abbreviated titleRICS COBRA 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period11/09/1213/09/12

Keywords

  • adaptation
  • flood
  • resilience
  • reinstatement
  • SMEs

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