Are You Ready?

Could your business survive three days without water, electricity or essential services? That was the challenging question posed to business leaders at the latest C2S Big Conversation, where some alarming statistics revealed why resilience must become a priority for every organisation.

Held at Dunkertons on 10 November 2026, the event brought together business leaders and industry experts to explore the growing challenges of water shortages, rising energy costs, extreme weather, cybersecurity and business continuity – and, importantly, the practical steps organisations can take to protect themselves, reduce costs and prepare for the future.

The morning opened with a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, setting the scene for a thought-provoking discussion about the climate and environmental challenges facing the UK and their potential impact on businesses and communities.

Britain’s Water Crisis – A Wake-Up Call for Business

One of the most striking presentations came from Geoff Smith, Director of Strategic Development and Innovation at Mitie, who explored The Water Blind Spot – a risk many organisations have yet to recognise.

Despite Britain’s reputation as a wet country, 82% of England was reported to be in drought in October 2026, with national reservoir storage at just 54%, some 22 percentage points below the long-term average.

Even more concerning, the Environment Agency has warned that England could face a shortfall of up to five billion litres of water every day by 2055 without significant action.

The implications for business are already becoming clear. Research shared by Mitie, involving 500 senior UK decision-makers, found that 64% reported experiencing water-related operational disruption, while 39% lacked accurate, real-time information about their water consumption.

And the financial implications are significant too. Average business wholesale water charges are projected to increase by 42% between 2025 and 2030, before inflation, although individual customer bills will vary.

Geoff challenged businesses to consider what would happen if their water supply suddenly stopped. From manufacturing and hospitality to healthcare and offices, even relatively short interruptions could affect operations, employees, customers and revenue.

Water scarcity is also beginning to influence where businesses can expand and invest, with pressure on existing infrastructure potentially restricting future growth.

His message was clear: water can no longer be treated as an inexpensive utility that will always be available. Businesses need to understand their consumption, identify potential vulnerabilities and include water in their continuity planning.

How long could your business operate without water – and have you ever tested that assumption?

Rising Energy Costs – But Significant Savings Are Possible

Stuart Hesk, Managing Director of Hewer, highlighted another growing challenge: the cost and reliability of energy.

His presentation revealed that average UK non-domestic electricity prices had increased by approximately 78% between 2020 and Q2 2026, putting considerable pressure on business operating costs.

However, Stuart also demonstrated how businesses could take greater control through energy efficiency and solar technology.

An illustrative 100kWp commercial solar installation could deliver approximately £18,675 in annual electricity value, based on the generation, consumption and export assumptions presented.

Stuart also shared Hewer’s own experience. Its solar installation has generated almost 197,000 kWh over six years and, now fully paid for, is delivering annual electricity savings of more than £5,220.

Another commercial example, featuring a 110-panel installation, demonstrated average annual savings and revenue of £7,336, with electricity both consumed on site and exported back to the grid.

While the financial returns depend on individual buildings, energy usage and installation arrangements, these examples demonstrated the opportunities available to businesses willing to review their energy costs and explore alternative solutions.

The message was a positive one. Although businesses cannot control energy prices, they can explore opportunities to reduce consumption, generate their own electricity and become less exposed to future increases.

Could your business be missing out on significant savings simply because you haven’t explored the options?

Practical Solutions, Shared Knowledge and Business Connections

The discussion extended beyond water and energy, drawing on the expertise of businesses across the C2S community.

Richard Markey from Lease Electric explored opportunities to reduce fuel costs through electric vehicles, while Tony Falkner from Printwaste highlighted the savings businesses could make through better waste management, recycling and offered C2S Members a free waste audits.

Tom Henson, Managing Director of Emerge Digital, raised the importance of technology resilience and cybersecurity, particularly as organisations become increasingly dependent on digital systems and AI.

Isobel Filipova from Cheltenham Borough Council shared information about local net-zero initiatives and support available to businesses.

Emily Arnold, Employment Lawyer at BPE shared the latest craze on the horizon as employees start to sue their employers over unsuitable working conditions due to the extreme temperatures we experience this summer!

The discussion also considered the impact of extreme weather on employees and vulnerable people, reinforcing the importance of preparing for disruption across every part of an organisation.

With the UK Government encouraging households to prepare for at least three days of disruption to essential services, the conversation raised an important question: how many businesses have made similar preparations?

Read the UK Government’s emergency preparedness guidance

Are You Asking the Right Questions?

A central message from the event was the importance of taking these discussions back into the workplace.

Do you know how long your business could operate without water or electricity? Have you explored opportunities to reduce energy, fuel and waste costs? Could your organisation continue operating following a cyberattack? How would you protect employees and customers during extreme weather?

And perhaps most importantly, when was the last time your senior leadership team reviewed and tested your business continuity plans?

Angela Edwards-Stead, Co-Founder and Director of C2S, commented:

“Some of the facts shared were genuinely shocking, but the purpose of The Big Conversation wasn’t to frighten people. It was to encourage businesses to ask questions, understand where they might be vulnerable and, importantly, recognise that there are practical solutions and people who can help.

“Becoming more resilient isn’t just about preparing for disruption. It’s also about reducing costs, improving efficiency, protecting people and building stronger, more sustainable businesses.

“We hope everyone who attended will take these conversations back to their organisations and consider what action they could take now. Sometimes the smallest changes can make a significant difference.”

Who Can Help?

Our speakers and C2S members are happy to share their expertise and help businesses identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen resilience.

Please feel free to contact them directly.

Energy savings and solar: Stuart Hesk, Hewer

Email: Stuart.Hesk@hewerfm.co.uk

Fuel savings and electric vehicles: Richard Markey, Lease Electric

Emal: richard.markey@lease-electric.com

Employment Law Advice: Emily Arnold

Emial: emily.arnold@bpe.co.uk

Waste Management and FREE waste audit: Chris Robins and Don Robins, Printwaste

Email: chris.robins@printwaste.co.uk / don.robins@printwaste.co.uk

Net-zero initiatives and business support: Isobel Filipova, Cheltenham Borough Council

Email: isobel.filipova@cheltenham.gov.uk

Technology, cybersecurity and AI: Tom Henson, Emerge Digital

Email: tom.henson@emerge.digital

Emerge Digital is also offering a Leading with AI: Business Transformation Workshop.

Download the Presentations – Take the Conversation Back to Your Business

We encourage every business to download the presentations from Geoff Smith at Mitie and Stuart Hesk at Hewer, share the key findings with their leadership teams and use the discussion questions to identify potential risks, savings and opportunities.

Download the presentations and discussion questions

The National Emergency Briefing campaign is continuing its work to raise awareness, with a parliamentary debate on a petition calling for an emergency briefing to the nation scheduled for 16 November.

A huge thank you to Geoff Smith from Mitie, Stuart Hesk from Hewer, all our contributors and everyone who joined us for such an important and engaging discussion.

The Big Conversation may be over, but the questions it raised deserve a place on every business leadership agenda.

Are you ready?