Fernco Calls for Nationwide Awareness of PFR Beyond Flood Action Week 2025
As climate change increases the risk of flooding – and the country is in for a wetter-than-usual autumn – it is more important than ever to cast a spotlight on this issue. Fernco, a leading supply partner of flood protection products, is keeping the momentum going beyond Flood Action Week – having used the initiative to highlight the need for stronger community-level support and product accessibility by local merchants.
Stepping up its efforts to educate and equip communities with simple, effective tools to minimise the damage caused by flooding, Fernco’s team visited builders’ merchants up and down the country throughout the week. During these visits, they’ve hosted live demonstrations of property flood resilience (PFR), provided hands-on support, and offered flood preparedness advice, while fostering stronger links between merchants and their local community.
David Millward, UK Sales Director at Fernco, explains how flooding can affect anyone. “Even if you don’t live in a traditionally flood-prone area, that risk is increasing every year. What’s most concerning is that surface water flooding, caused by heavy rain and overwhelmed drainage systems, is now the most common type of flooding, affecting 4.6 million properties in England alone.
“Flooding takes a huge financial and emotional toll – it’s not worth being unprepared. Property flood resilience isn’t complex; it’s cost effective and can be installed without specialist knowledge. The challenge, however, lies in boosting this awareness.”
The Environment Agency, represented by Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, visited MKM Building Supplies Anlaby, alongside Fernco, as organised by the Builders Merchants Federation, to help raise awareness of PFR and build community resilience.
Ian Pratt, Branch Director of MKM Anlaby, shared his thoughts on the recent visit. “Visits like these are invaluable to not only us working at the builders’ merchants, but to our customers and members of our surrounding community. Product explanations and demonstrations help grow our knowledge, ensuring our team understand the risks of being underprepared. This deep understanding of flooding and PFR allows us to pass on that vital information to customers and help keep people and their properties safe.”
Brett Amphlett, Builders Merchants Federation’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager, shared: “It was fantastic to welcome Emma Hardy MP to MKM Anlaby and show the range of Fernco products designed to protect homes and buildings from flooding. With the Bonfield Review outlining how manufacturers and merchants can support local communities, it’s great to see government and businesses working together to help people stay ‘FloodReady’ ahead of the autumn and winter storms.”
David concludes: “While great work is already underway, there is still more to be done to develop the flood readiness of the country. Too often, immediate flood defences are left out of national flood investment, and we believe this must change. In the meantime, flooding doesn’t wait for funding, so we must strengthen resilience on a community level, and it’s encouraging to see Emma committed to keeping this conversation alive in government.
Through collaboration, education and practical solutions, we’re helping communities across the UK take control of their flood risk and avoid the devastating costs of damage and displacement.”
