THE Environment Agency is launching a comprehensive Online Flood Preparation Guide for Businesses to help small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) prepare for the serious threat of flooding.

The flood preparation guide is the Environment Agency's first national advice targeted specifically at businesses, in response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding.

There are 175,000 businesses at risk of flooding in England and Wales. It's a risk with potentially devastating financial consequences for owners, employees and local communities.

More than 42 per cent of businesses affected by serious floods incur costs in excess of £50,000. Knowing your business is at risk and making advance preparations for flooding are vital.

Staff at the Viking SAAB in Watford are well aware of the damage flooding can cause, as their showroom is located only 15ft from the River Colne.

It has been flooded three times in recent years, twice in 2000 and once in 2003.

Tony Mitchell, managing director, said: "The first time we were flooded the water was 2ft deep in the showroom so when we rebuilt we had the floor raised.

"We are in regular contact with the Environment Agency and whenever we see a blockage in the river, for example if someone has thrown a shopping trolley in, we call the hotline and someone comes and removes it.

"As far as we are concerned if we want to stay in business and be insured we have to take action and be prepared.

"All the wiring now goes along the ceiling and all the plug sockets are three or four inches higher. My staff are all trained on what to do and last time the water levels rose we sand bagged where we could, the technicians put their tool boxes on the vehicle ramps and we got all the showroom furniture on to the first floor.

"The difference could be seen in the insurance claim. After the first flood it was £300K and after the third it was £32K.

"Nature can be quite a force and there is no stopping it but if you are aware of it then you can minimise the damage. It's just common sense."

Businesses have very specific requirements in flood planning, including ensuring safety of staff and visitors, managing disrupted services and trading, and maintaining high standards of customer service.

The Environment Agency aims to provide businesses with the highest quality information and advice to help them prepare for flooding and take action when flood warnings are issued.

The online guide is available from the Environment Agency website, www.environment-agency.gov.uk.