In the wake of last week’s devastating floods, in-Cumbria took the opportunity to speak to local businesspeople who are still open.

Windermere Lakes Cruises was hit by the rising flood waters on Saturday night and the incredible efforts of staff meant that the business survived the wind and rain.

We spoke to Nigel Wilkinson, the managing director of the company who told us about how the company was affected and when they reopened.

How did the floods affect your business? 

Over the weekend of 5th and 6th of December, Windermere rose to within 10cm of the highest level it has ever been, recorded in November 2009. The exceptionally high water levels were exacerbated by the very strong winds which caused large waves at the northern end of the lake.

Our piers, tickets offices and cafes at Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside have all been flooded together with retail outlets, workshops and boathouses. We were unable to sail from Saturday December 5 until Tuesday December 8. 

The damage would have been even worse had it not been for the fantastic efforts of the team at Windermere Lake Cruises who put the flood plan into action and moved many items away from the rising water. 

Staff worked through the night, waist deep in water on occasions, to avoid damage to the fleet. 

Some of our key members of staff have been unavailable as they have been flooded at home and are dealing with urgent priorities away from work. 

Having your business flooded is nothing compared with being flood at home and our sympathies are with the victims of residential flooding.

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

The lack of power and roads closed in the local area, primarily as a result of stranded vehicles, made the immediate recovery more difficult, a situation compounded by the lack of power in our flooded premises.

Following the 2009 floods we took measures to make our premises more "flood resilient" and we were able to maintain power to our head office this time, so at least we were able to run the payroll on Tuesday. 

Have you reopened/relocated?

We recommenced our sailing operation on Wednesday. As Cumbria's largest visitor attraction we were desperate to reopen as soon as it was safe to do so. 

What are your plans for the future?

To get all of the business fully functional as quickly as possible. By Easter we hope that there will be no evidence of the damage caused by Storm Desmond at Windermere Lake Cruises. 

Would you consider moving?

Given the nature of our business that's not really an option. We will however continue to take measures to minimise the impact of future storms. 

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

We followed the deterioration of the weather forecast on Friday and although I wasn't on duty on the Saturday our Operations Director called to say he had put the full flood plan into action. I was sat in the barber's chair at the time and headed straight back to Windermere.

What’s your message to other flooded businesses? 

Look after your insurers money as if it were your own. Think of the future and the need to secure insurance cover going forwards.

What evidence have you seen, of the #spiritofCumbria in action?  

Tremendous support from everyone in the community. It makes you so proud to be operating in Cumbria.

Here at Windermere Lake Cruises we are donating 20 per cent of the value of all Gift Vouchers sold between December 5, 2015 and March 24 2016 to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.

Every day for the next week, we will be focusing on businesses that have been affected by flooding and get in touch using our contact pages if you want to be featured.