From heatwaves and storms to flooding and power outages, summer weather can create serious operational challenges for businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).
That’s why Risk Ready Communities is encouraging local organisations to take practical steps now to prepare for seasonal risks that could impact staff wellbeing, customer safety and day-to-day operations.
Led by the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), Risk Ready Communities is a resilience programme helping businesses, community organisations and residents become better prepared for emergencies and local disruptions.
Why Summer Preparedness Matters for Businesses
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and can affect businesses in many ways, including:
- Staff health and wellbeing during heatwaves
- Disruption to transport and supply chains
- Flood damage to premises and equipment
- Temporary loss of power, internet or utilities
- Increased fire risk during prolonged hot weather
For SMEs and local organisations in particular, even short periods of disruption can have significant operational and financial impacts.
Alice Moorcroft-Hughes, Delivery Manager for Risk Ready Communities, said:
“Summer can bring much more than sunny weather. Heatwaves, storms and flooding can all have serious consequences for local communities and businesses.
We want to help organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland feel more confident and prepared — whether that’s reviewing emergency procedures, supporting vulnerable staff members or creating a Community Response Plan.”
Free Webinars for Businesses and Community Organisations
Businesses, local councils, charities, faith groups and community organisations are invited to attend two free online sessions designed to improve local resilience and emergency preparedness.
Summer Preparedness Webinar
Learn practical steps to prepare for:
- Heatwaves
- Flooding
- Wildfires
- Summer storms
- Utility disruption
Community Response Plans Webinar
This session will help organisations and communities create response plans to act quickly and effectively during emergencies.
Supporting a More Resilient Local Economy
All webinars, workshops and resources are free and open to organisations and residents across LLR.
Risk Ready Communities is delivered in partnership with Groundwork Five Counties and Communities Prepared (a Groundwork South programme), helping strengthen resilience across local communities and workplaces.
Businesses can also meet the Risk Ready Communities team in person at Leicester’s Riverside Festival on 6–7 June.
To find out more and register for the webinars, visit:https://www.llrresilienceforum.org.uk/prepare-your-community/risk-ready-communities
