In-Cumbria spoke to Lisa Boardley, sales and marketing coordinator at Different Strokes in Kendal about how the company rallied after being flooded.

How did the floods affect your business?

“The water came in through our business premises and flooded our workshop and two offices, basically the whole Ground Floor was affected.”

What were the knock on effects of the flooding/power cuts/road closures?

“Different Strokes had no electricity, lost two computers and two company vehicles. Our phones went off as well, meaning we had to re-direct the line to a mobile.”

Have you reopened/relocated?

“Different Strokes re-opened on Monday December 7, as we were able to get to our sites, to continue decorating.

“Luckily we are able to stay in our head office on New Road and we haven't had to relocate.”

What are your plans for the future?

“We had to completely strip out the Ground Floor and lost a lot of equipment in the process.

“We have since brought forward plans to extend our office space, creating two additional desk spaces for Employees.”

Would you consider moving?

“We don't plan to relocate although this depends on plans being put in place, preventing future flooding as we are very close to the River Kent.”

Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?

“We initially found out about the potential flooding from the Environment Agency Floodline.

“They called with an automated message on Friday December 4 to let us know as we are so close to the river.

“This is a regular occurrence whenever the rain is heavy so it wasn’t until Saturday afternoon, when we realised that New Road was closed, that the panic started to hit home.

“I was totally shocked with the amount of water and immediately began moving equipment up to higher ground.

“I think initially I went into autopilot moving things to prevent damage then when I got home later on, I felt very sad having seen all our belongings and hard work ruined and also from hearing about friends and other Cumbrians who were affected.”

What’s your message to other flooded businesses?

“I would recommend moving plug sockets higher up but you really can't prepare for something like this. No one expected the River Kent to burst its banks and I think businesses need to be aware that it can happen at any time, with no or very little notice.”

What evidence have you seen, of the Spirit of Cumbria in action?

“It has been fantastic! We had donations and well wishes from friends and our neighbours helped out by letting us use their hot water. SLDC have been brilliant and assisted by helping us dispose of rubbish and opening up the local tip to businesses.

“Even planned events in Kendal like the Christmas Market and school nativity plays have still gone ahead, showing how the community can really make a difference when we all pull together.”