February 2026 members’ meeting minutes summary

• The Chambers welcomed members and guests, confirmed the agenda, and thanked attendees for their time and contributions.

• Purpose of meeting: The purpose of the meeting was to bring together stakeholders to address the growing flood risk in Market Harborough, raise awareness of its impact, and explore collaborative solutions. It also highlighted the importance of aligning skills development with local priorities, including sustainability and flood resilience, to support long-term community and economic growth.

Speakers: Bruce Durham, Chair, Harborough Flood Action Group
Slides: To educate local businesses on raising awareness, sharing initiatives and identifying opportunities to collaborate partnership working

Key Discussions

• The meeting highlighted the increasing flood risk in Market Harborough, with approximately 2,300 properties identified as vulnerable due to factors such as extreme weather, surface water runoff, and ongoing development impacting drainage systems.
• A strong emphasis was placed on the need for collective community action, recognising that flood prevention is not solely the responsibility of affected properties but requires engagement from residents, businesses, and organisations across the town. It was agreed that small, practical actions—such as reporting drainage issues, planting trees, and improving land permeability—can deliver significant cumulative impact when adopted widely.
• Ongoing work in natural flood management was showcased, including collaboration with organisations such as the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust and local environmental groups. These initiatives aim to slow water flow, restore natural landscapes, and reduce pressure on existing drainage infrastructure.
• The group also discussed funding opportunities, including a £400,000 application to Anglian Water, which—if successful—would support both infrastructure improvements and environmental interventions.
• A key challenge identified was limited business engagement, with many organisations perceiving flooding as not directly affecting them. The meeting highlighted the need to shift this perception, reinforcing that flooding impacts the wider local economy and encouraging businesses to take proactive steps in building resilience.
• Finally, the importance of partnership working was reinforced, with collaboration between local councils, community groups, environmental organisations, businesses, and government agencies seen as essential to delivering long-term, sustainable flood solutions.

Summary of Recommendations – Next Steps

• To address flooding in Market Harborough, a coordinated, community-wide approach is needed. Key priorities include raising awareness that flooding affects the entire local economy, not just individual properties, and encouraging businesses and residents to take simple, practical actions.
• Focus should be placed on engaging businesses through clear commitments, supported by targeted communications and practical workshops to drive behaviour change. Strengthening partnerships between councils, environmental organisations, businesses, and community groups will be essential to ensure a joined-up response.
• Securing funding—such as the proposed £400,000 Anglian Water bid—alongside identifying quick, visible interventions in high-risk areas will help build momentum and demonstrate impact.
• Overall, the approach should combine awareness, action, and collaboration, embedding flood resilience into local business and community planning to create long-term, sustainable solutions.