The PR of Flood Risk Management: A CIPR NW Networking Event

By Harriet Williams, CIPR NW committee member

4 June 2025

Last week, 15 PR professionals took a walk along the River Ribble in Preston. But this was no ordinary stroll in the sunshine. It was a behind-the-scenes guided tour of part of one of the largest flood defence construction projects in Lancashire.

Thanks to the knowledgeable Heather Carey from AECOM, who led the walk, we learnt about the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Management Scheme. She took us through the initial consultations with stakeholders, ongoing engagement best practice, and enhancements of the local areas which include landscaping, tree planting, playing fields and creating new wetland habitats for wildlife. 

The £55m flood scheme starts at Broadgate in Preston and follows the River Ribble upstream into Walton-le-Dale. On completion, it will reduce the flood risk to around 5000 homes and businesses.

The scheme required planning permission from Preston County Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, each with their own set of stipulations. Local residents and businesses also had extensive input, through a combination of drop-in sessions, canvassing opinion on the defence-wall style and regular newsletters to keep everyone up to date with progress and any planned disruption.

The feedback from attendees was enthusiastic. Here are just some of the comments:

“What’s better than walking and talking in the sun while meeting new industry contacts.” (James Jordan, Yorkshire Water)

“It was really informative and provided the chance to network informally.” (Lyndsey Boardman, Senior Press Officer, University of Central Lancashire)

“What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with fellow CIPR members. Just the right blend of technical, engagement and comms info about the scheme with plenty of time to network with a really interesting group of people.” (Sarah Purcell, Communications Director, Victor Developments/ MC Construction)

The CIPR NW has more events in the pipeline, so do keep an eye on our socials and join in the learning and networking next time.