Industry News Premier Construction

Building Against Flooding

Planning approvals edge higher on last year
Written by Amy

In the light of recent floods and given what forecasts hold, the timing of Floodex could not be better; an exhibition and free conference covering flood prevention, mitigation, water level management and SuDS.

Anyone with a vested interest in building and development in both urban and rural areas, will need to consider potential flood prevention and damage in large parts of the UK. This trade event will be covering an integrated approach to WLM development and look at how building for resilience and future-proofing can also leverage economic, societal and environmental benefits.

Backed by the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), Floodex will not only showcase the latest products, techniques and services in flood prevention, mitigation and Water Level Management (WLM), but present the opportunity to attend CPD accredited seminars.

Jon Irwin, Rvent Director said: “Flood defence, mitigation and WLM is a vital part of the fabric of Britain and becoming increasingly important. This is a showcase for solutions and deliverables within individual towns, cities and rural areas, presenting opportunities and tangible solutions that are achievable for all stakeholders.

“This sector is facing a period of unprecedented change and opportunity and Floodex presents the ideal forum to help shape the future of flood mitigation and water level management”

Floodex combines stimulating and constructive debate together with unparalleled networking opportunities, by bringing together leaders in the Local Authority, Internal Drainage Board (IDB), designers, consultants, contractors and planners with the supply chain and service providers.

The seminars will include key figures, such as Alison Baptiste, Head of Flood & Coastal Risk Management for the Environment Agency, Peter Simpson, CEO Anglian Water, Richard Wills, Executive Director, Lincolnshire County Council, Andrew McGill, CEO, Water Management Consortium and Innes Thomson, chief executive of the ADA; there will also be a guest presenter from Defra

Floodex takes place at Peterborough Arena on 18th & 19th May 2016, entry to the expo and seminars are free and there is also free parking. For more information and contacts visit www.floodex.co.uk, where you can register.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The four main types are river, coastal, groundwater and surface water flooding. Flooding may also occur due to sewer defects or incapacity, or because a reservoir or dam fails. The methods of defence against flooding differ according to its nature.

For example, hard defences such as sea or river walls, may be very useful to defend against coastal or river flooding, but may well make surface water flooding worse (as the water cannot escape to the river) and will be of no effect against groundwater.

Surface water flood risk emerges from the interplay between biophysical and human factors. Biophysical factors determine the frequency, duration and intensity of rainfall, and the run-off that occurs when rain hits the ground.

Rainfall may be infiltrated into the ground, but in urban areas with impermeable surfaces rain water will flow on the surface in directions modified by the form of buildings and streets and will accumulate at locations with low topographical elevation.

These processes are modified by drains that are designed to convey water away from urban areas on the surface or in pipes. Risk will also be dependent on the vulnerability of the area and population exposed to the event and, where in place, the effectiveness of surface water management interventions.

BOILERPLATE
Floodex is a trade show for companies and individuals involved in flood protection, mitigation and water level management. Alongside the trade stands, offering products and services, there are two theatres, offering free to attend seminars, which are CPD accredited.

Floodex is run by Indigo Media & Events Ltd, in partnership with the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), whose members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), Local Authorities and Regional Flood & Coastal Committees (RFCCs).

Indigo Media & Events is headed up by two people with nearly 30 years’ experience in launching and managing B2B trade and consumer events, both domestically and internationally.

The Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) is the membership organisation for water level management authorities in the United Kingdom, with over 230 members and associate members. ADA is recognised as the national representative for Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in England and Wales.

Established in 1937, ADA was created to watch over and support the interests of drainage authorities at a national and parliamentary level, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussions, and to disseminate information of common interest.

About the author

Amy