RSA Insurance, an Intact company, has joined forces with the University of Hull’s Energy and Environment Institute (EEI) to launch an ambitious 18-month research project to help businesses and property owners adapt to the rising threat of flooding.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, the partnership will evaluate the effectiveness of property-level flood resilience (PFR) measures such as flood doors and smart air bricks, particularly in commercial settings where traditional solutions can fall short.
Recent figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reveal that weather-related insurance claims for homes and possessions surged to £585 million in 2024, more than triple the total recorded in 2022, driven largely by an increase in flooding and other climate-related events.
The research will focus on identifying practical, scalable flood defences that work for operational business environments, addressing challenges like accessibility, security, and high foot traffic. The collaboration will also support the development of data-driven tools to help businesses assess and manage their flood risk more effectively.
The partnership will draw on the University of Hull’s extensive expertise in environmental impact studies and flood resilience, capitalising on its world-class research facilities. The work will be led by Professor Stuart McLelland, with Dr. David Furnues contributing his interdisciplinary expertise in fluid mechanics, geography, and global politics, as the appointed researcher.
Alison Gardner, Head of UK & International Social Impact and ESG at RSA Insurance, said: “As climate change contributes to more intense and frequent flooding, the need for adaptation has never been more urgent. It’s not enough to respond to extreme weather, we must prepare for it.
“This research plays a vital role in building the evidence base we need to understand what works, where, and for whom. By focusing on commercial properties, which face unique challenges, we can help shape practical tools and solutions that support a more resilient future for businesses and communities alike.”
Professor Fiona Matthews, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of Hull, said: “Flood resilience is a key strategic area of expertise at the University of Hull. This partnership marks a significant step towards innovative flood risk management solutions that are crucial for addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Our collaboration will allow us to translate research findings into practical actions that businesses can take to protect their properties from flooding.”
Stuart McLelland, Professor of Water Science, University of Hull, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with RSA to build on our expertise in flood resilience and improve understanding of how property-level measures can be used to reduce flood risk. Together we will look at opportunities for product innovation, so that individuals and organisations can take appropriate steps to reduce their flood risk, promoting resilience in the face of more frequent flooding.”
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Media enquiries:
David Stewart
David.Stewart@uk.rsagroup.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7971 182 813
About RSA Insurance, an Intact company
RSA Insurance is one of the world’s longest-standing general insurers, providing peace of mind to individuals and protection for businesses of all sizes. With operations in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe, RSA delivers insurance solutions through direct channels, broker relationships and strategic partnerships.
In 2021, RSA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation, a North American leader in property and casualty insurance. Intact has a strong legacy of investing in climate adaptation and has funded more than 100 community resilience projects across Canada.
For more information, visit: www.rsainsurance.co.uk
About the University of Hull
Shaping a fairer, brighter, better future for all.
Founded in 1927 as a ‘centre of light and culture’, the University of Hull is an internationally engaged civic university, addressing the problems facing humanity. Through hands-on collaboration, we examine the defining issues of our time. From flood resilience and renewable energy, to wound care and mental health, to knife crime and modern slavery. Creating new thinking and launching new endeavours to change individual lives and humanity’s shared future.
Guided at every turn by the dedication of our people, our strong sense of place, and the vitality of our partnerships we are shaping a fairer, brighter, better future for all.
The University’s Energy and Environment Institute (EEI) has experts working on risks and resilience in relation to climate change, flooding, marine pollution and renewable energy. Our flooding experts are driving the national and international flood resilience agenda and our research has guided £5.2bn UK flood resilience funding, helping to protect over 300,000 homes.
Professor Stuart McLelland is Deputy Director of the Energy and Environment Institute and Professor of Water Science. His research focuses on physical modelling of flow processes and sediment transport dynamics and he leads research in the Total Environment Simulator (TES) – a world-class experimental facility, operated by the University of Hull.
Dr David Furnues is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Property Flood Resilience holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics from Cardiff University and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, as well as a member of the Institute of Leadership and IAHR.
For more information on the Energy and Environment Institute, please visit www.hull.ac.uk/eei