UK businesses invest in heat adaptation
A Barclays survey finds 37% of UK firms have invested in heat adaptation after record heatwaves, with cooling equipment a top priority.
More than a third of UK businesses have already invested in adapting to extreme heat. A further 23% are considering doing so, according to a survey by Barclays bank. This follows the record-breaking heatwaves experienced across the country.
Cooling equipment is the primary focus. Some 28% of businesses have invested in upgrading air conditioning and ventilation. Another 23% have adopted energy efficiency measures to lower energy use. Barclays' data shows cash inflows to air conditioning suppliers via its accounts grew 4.3% year-on-year.
Almost 30% of businesses introduced other wellbeing measures. This includes 23% offering flexible or remote working and 21% adjusting working hours. In response to the heatwaves, Green MP Hannah Spencer proposed legislation for maximum workplace temperatures. Her bill would establish an independent body to recommend safe limits.
The Health and Safety Executive does not support a single maximum temperature. It notes excessive heat can come from workplace activities, not just weather. While there is no legal minimum, guidance recommends 16C for most workplaces and 13C for physically demanding work.
Uneven impacts on businesses
Barclays found the financial impact is uneven. Only 27% of small and medium-sized enterprises reported the hot weather harmed their productivity. In contrast, 47% of large businesses said it boosted their productivity.
Construction sector hit hardest
Construction faced severe disruption. A Censuswide survey for the Association for Project Management (APM) polled over 1,000 UK project professionals. A huge 96% said their main project was affected by the heat. Some 64% reported significant impacts.
| Impact Reported | Percentage of Professionals |
|---|---|
| Changed working hours | 25% |
| Work paused or delayed | 24% |
| Heat-affected materials or equipment | 23% |
| Needed more health and safety measures | 23% |
| Suspended or reduced outdoor work | 22% |
| Reduced productivity due to heat | 21% |
As a result, 24% are now less confident their organisation's future projects will be resilient to climate impacts. Dr Hugo Minney, network lead of APM’s Sustainability Interest Network, said climate change is now a delivery and cost risk. He urged project leaders to conduct climate-specific risk assessments.
He also advised building flexibility into schedules and contracts. Protecting the workforce with robust heat plans is essential. "Organisations that fail to take this seriously may find that extreme weather exposes weaknesses," Minney warned.
Shifts in consumer spending
The heat also changed consumer demand. Barclays' UK Consumer Spends Report noted retail spending grew 2.1% in July. Face-to-face retail rose 1.4% from June. Spending increased on clothing, gardening, and electronics.
Almost a quarter of people bought a cooling device. Nearly 40% purchased more cold food and drinks to cope with the soaring temperatures.
