Fernco Champions Flood Preparedness During Flood Action Week

As climate change continues to intensify rainfall and increase the risk of flooding, this year’s Flood Action Week provided an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on flood resilience. Fernco, a leading supply partner of flood protection products – stepped up its efforts across the UK, working with builders’ merchants, local councils, MPs, and communities to promote practical, accessible flood protection solutions.

Throughout the week, Fernco’s Area Sales Managers (ASMs) travelled the length and breadth of the country, hosting live demonstrations, training sessions, and discussions on Property Flood Resilience (PFR). Their aim: to help people understand how simple, affordable measures can protect homes and businesses from devastating flood damage.

Working Together to be FloodReady

At the heart of Fernco’s campaign was the message that flooding can affect anyone. David Millward, UK Sales Director at Fernco, explained:

“Even if you don’t live in a traditionally flood-prone area, that risk is increasing every year. Surface water flooding is now the most common type in England, affecting 4.6 million properties. Flood resilience isn’t complex – it’s cost-effective and can be installed without specialist knowledge. The challenge lies in awareness.”

Fernco’s Flood Action Week activity aligned with the Environment Agency’s push to build stronger community-level resilience. Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, joined Fernco and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) at MKM Building Supplies Anlaby, where she met with the merchants to discuss the importance of PFR.

“It was fantastic to welcome Emma Hardy MP to MKM Anlaby and showcase Fernco’s range of flood protection products,” said Brett Amphlett, BMF’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager. “With the Bonfield Review highlighting how manufacturers and merchants can support local communities, it’s great to see government and business working together to help people stay FloodReady.”

MKM Anlaby’s Branch Director, Ian Pratt, added: “Visits like these are invaluable. Product demonstrations and discussions help our teams better understand flood risks and PFR, and allows us to pass on that vital information to customers and help keep people and their properties safe.”

 

Raising Awareness Nationwide: Engaging Communities and Building Partnerships

Across the UK, Fernco’s ASMs brought the Flood Action Week message to life through local events and community outreach:

  • Jacob Pashley for Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Humberside, joined Fernco Managing Director Lee Pashley and BMF’s Brett Amphlett to meet Toby Perkins MP at Huws Gray Chesterfield, where they discussed the government-backed Bonfield Review and showcased Fernco’s range of flood protection products.
  • John Bennison for Central and West Midlands, attended a community flood awareness event in Sileby, engaging with local councils, the Environment Agency, and Severn Trent Water. He also hosted trade events with merchants including Plastech Western, Cooper Drainage Gloucester, and Howarth Timber Thorne, where local contractors and MPs showed strong interest in Fernco’s flood bags, anti-flood air bricks, and backwater valves.
  • Lee Ward for London West, ran a series of training sessions and live demos at merchants such as EH Smith, MP Moran, Jewson Partnership Solutions, and J & A Phillips Builders Merchants, generating strong engagement and ensuring hundreds of trade customers received hands-on product education.
  • Terry Sloman hosted several Breakfast Mornings across the South West, including events at Bradfords and Jewson Chard, attracting interest from local councils, Somerset Fire & Rescue, and flood wardens. His efforts also secured community engagement opportunities – including a presentation slot at a local council meeting and generating significant follow-up orders from FM contractors and other trade partners.

 

Continuing the Momentum

Fernco’s team emphasised that flood resilience begins at a local level. By partnering with builders’ merchants and community stakeholders, Fernco continues to make PFR products more accessible – from flood bags and non-return valves to easy-install protection systems.

David Millward emphasised Fernco’s ongoing commitment: “While great work is already underway, there’s still more to do to strengthen the UK’s flood readiness. Flooding doesn’t wait for funding – that’s why it’s so important to build resilience from the ground up. Through collaboration, education, and accessible solutions, we’re helping communities take control of their flood risk.”

As the UK faces increased rainfall and changing weather patterns, Fernco’s work during Flood Action Week demonstrates that flood preparedness begins with awareness – and with accessible, practical solutions available at local merchants, every community can take simple steps to be FloodReady.