Property Flood Resilience (PFR): Exploring the experiences of commercial property owners

In response to more severe and frequent flooding, the latest Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy in the UK aims to mainstream resilience. This has encompassed a recognition of the need to improve the resilience of individual properties, through what has become known as Property Flood Resilience (PFR). However, the application and implementation of PFR has focused on residential properties and there has been a dearth of research on its application to commercial property. This research explored the views and experiences of flood affected commercial property owners towards the practice of PFR to identify the barriers and develop improved implementation strategies. The research adopted an exploratory approach using six commercial properties as case studies, examined through site visits, interviews and documentary evidence. The findings revealed that while PFR measures had thus far been sparsely implemented, there was a clear prevalence towards low-cost interventions, designed to meet particular characteristics of the property and business activities. Generally, these measures had brought about positive outcomes in reducing the impact of flooding and speeding up the recovery process. The cost of such measures was found to be a major barrier, and generally businesses were found to be lacking in-depth understanding and knowledge to inform the development of a more strategic approach to managing these risks. Further support and guidance is clearly needed for businesses and more concerted effort is needed towards raising PFR awareness. This research provides robust evidence for commercial property owners and other stakeholders to facilitate improved decision making in the design and implementation of PFR measures.