Companies lost more than £7 billion last year because they did not face up to the risks posed by the British weather.
More than 95 per cent of companies said they lost up to ten per cent of their profits because of unexpected weather, according to a survey by the Meteorological Office.
Many businesses in Sussex, especially in the Lewes, Uckfield, Chichester and Selsey areas suffered badly from the effects of rain and storms.
Climatic vagaries were blamed for a number of setbacks, cancelled projects, surplus or insufficient stock and delayed deliveries, while late or absent staff alone cost businesses more than £2 billion.
Only a quarter of firms took the weather into account when planning ahead. Despite increasing concerns about climate change, there was a lack of awareness of how the weather can affect business.
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