Helping Greater Manchester businesses get back on their feet after New Year floods

As we step into 2025, many local businesses are facing challenges due to recent flooding across Greater Manchester. 

Following a co-ordinated response across Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport, Trafford, and Wigan, with hundreds of people being evacuated from flood-stricken areas, emergency services and partner agencies are now focussed on recovery efforts.

As the clean-up gets underway, many businesses will be counting the cost of the devastation left by the floodwaters. The damages and disruptions can feel overwhelming, but we want businesses to know that they are not alone.

Over the next few days and weeks, GM Business Growth Hub is working with local authorities to help businesses deal with the immediate aftermath and recovery.

Our team of specialist advisors are on hand ready to help those affected with advice and practical assistance to help them get back to business as usual.

 If your business has been impacted by flooding, it's crucial to have a business continuity plan in place to help you recover effectively. Here are some steps you can take and that we can support you in:

1.   Assess the Damage 

• Evaluate the extent of the damage to your premises, equipment, and stock.
• Document everything for insurance claims and future reference.

2.   Activate Your Business Continuity Plan 

• Implement your contingency plan to ensure your business can continue operating.
• Identify alternative equipment and services if your current resources are unusable.

3.   Relocate if Necessary 

• Consider relocating to a temporary site if your current location is unusable.
• Ensure the new site meets your business needs, such as size and accessibility.

4.   Communicate with Stakeholders 

• Inform your staff, suppliers, and customers about the situation and your recovery plans.
• Keep communication lines open to manage expectations and maintain trust.

5.   Coordinate an Emergency Response

• Work with facilities managers to either relocate or rebuild quickly.
• Ensure your IT systems are back on track as soon as possible.

6.    Review and Update Your Plan 

• After recovery, review your business continuity plan to address any gaps or improvements needed.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we are committed to offering our full support to businesses affected. Whether you need assistance with damages or guidance, our team is here for you.

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub said: “Greater Manchester is no stranger to the devastating affects of flooding and our thoughts are with all those impacted. Now, as the flood waters begin to subside, GM Business Growth Hub is working with our local authorities to help businesses deal with the immediate aftermath and recovery.  

“Over the next few days and weeks, our team of specialist advisors are ready to help those affected with advice and practical assistance to help them get back to business as usual. If your business has been impacted by the New Year floods, please contact our enquiries team here, on 0161 359 3050 or email bgh@growthco.uk.

Note: GM Business Growth Hub AI chatbot was used in the drafting of this article.