The Environment Agency will put fresh designs for the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme in front of residents and businesses this month. Public drop‑ins run on Saturday 17 January (12:00–17:00) at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Thursday 22 January (15:00–18:00) at Guildford Borough Council offices, with an online briefing on Tuesday 20 January (19:00–20:00). The press notice was published on 12 January 2026. ([gov.uk](Link

According to the Agency, the project is nearing the end of its initial appraisal with a business case due shortly. The goal is straightforward: reduce River Wey flood risk to the town centre in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council. For a retail core that has seen repeated disruption from high water, a credible scheme is fundamentally about economic resilience as much as engineering. ([gov.uk](Link

For SMEs on or near the High Street, fewer flood incidents translate into fewer forced closures, less stock loss and steadier cashflow. That feeds through to payroll stability and supplier confidence. The local conversation isn’t just about keeping water out; it’s about keeping trading days in, which is what ultimately preserves jobs and rents.

The insurance picture underlines the stakes. Industry data show businesses faced £443m of weather‑related claims in 2023, with the average business payout rising to about £18,500. By Q2 2025, the average property claim for businesses sat around £17,400. Insurers increasingly expect visible mitigation at renewal, so long‑term defences matter for premiums and excesses. ([standard.co.uk](Link

Small firms should note that Flood Re-designed for households-does not extend to SMEs. That leaves many local businesses exposed to market pricing that reflects site‑specific risk. Public projects that materially cut expected losses can, over time, improve insurability and expand available cover. ([floodre.co.uk](Link

Project partners also frame the scheme as a foundation for town‑centre renewal. Lower perceived hazard typically improves lender confidence, supports valuations and can bring stalled sites back into play for investment-particularly for ground‑floor retail and hospitality units sensitive to flood exclusions in leases. ([gov.uk](Link

If you trade near Mary Road or William Road, the Environment Agency highlights a temporary barrier plan that can be deployed when warnings are issued. It’s a reminder that day‑to‑day preparedness sits alongside long‑term works and that businesses should keep continuity plans current through the winter. ([gov.uk](Link

What should local firms do now? Attend the drop‑ins, ask about construction phasing, site access and any interim measures, and speak to your broker about how proposed defences could be recognised at renewal. Property‑level resilience-flood doors, raised electrics, air‑brick covers-can also reduce downtime even before major works complete.

Key dates are 17, 20 and 22 January. Feedback can be sent to guildfordfloodscheme@environment‑agency.gov.uk, and businesses should stay subscribed to official flood warnings via GOV.UK. These are low‑cost steps that help shape a scheme many traders will rely on when the next heavy rain arrives. ([gov.uk](Link