Investigating the flood responsiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises using agent-based modelling and simulation

Abstract

In recent years, flooding has caused major damage and disruption to businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) resulting in significant losses to the economy. The effect of flooding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is of particular importance given this size of business represents a major component of the UK’s economy. More specifically, according to the UK’s Department for Business Innovation and Skills, SMEs account for 99.9% of all private sector businesses and approximately 47% of annual turnover. In contrast to large businesses, SMEs often have limited resources and in most cases lack business continuity plans, which diminishes the effectiveness and efficiency of their response to flooding. This paper presents an overview of an approach taken to agent-based modelling and simulation of manufacturing SMEs experiencing a flood event, and related organisations. In this overview, the sources used to develop the attributes and behaviour of SMEs are highlighted. In addition, the paper presents preliminary results of simulations of the behaviours and actions of manufacturing SMEs in response to the 2007 flood event in the Lower Don Valley region of Sheffield in the UK. Results include key performance metrics of SMEs which provide an indication of the effectiveness and efficiency of the response of the businesses modelled.