Rapid Flood Recovery for M&S Monmouth
Related SafeGroup Service:
Rapid Flood Recovery for M&S Monmouth
Project Overview
Sector – Retail/Commercial
Service – Emergency Flood Recovery & Structural Drying
Incident – River Bank Failure & Large Scale Silt Contamination
Timeline – November/December 2025
Objective – Stabilise a contaminated site and restore air quality for safe reopening before peak Christmas trading
The Challenge: Contamination & Access Restrictions
On 15 November 2025, the M&S Monmouth store suffered significant flooding after the River Monnow burst its banks. Initial recovery efforts were delayed by town-centre access restrictions enforced by emergency services.
Once SafeGroup gained access, the site presented a complex range of risks typical of major flood incidents:
- Widespread contamination from silt, mud, and river debris across sales and refrigeration areas.
- Large volumes of contaminated stock and waste requiring immediate disposal.
- Deep moisture ingress into the building’s structural fabric.
- As the flood silt began to dry, it created airborne particulates and bacterial risks, threatening the safety of follow-on trades and future shoppers. Creating a Critical Air Quality Risk.
Our Response: A Data-Led Recovery Programme
SafeGroup deployed a multi-phase commercial flood restoration strategy. We focused on “Engineer Enablement”, clearing the path so refrigeration and electrical engineers could work safely.
Emergency Stabilisation & Waste Management
We mobilised high-capacity wet vacuums and tanker support to extract surface water and sludge. Damaged stock was systematically segregated and removed, and welfare facilities were immediately sanitised to allow the site to become a 24/7 operational hub.
Specialist Technical Decontamination
Our teams performed deep cleaning and disinfection across the sales floor and back-of-house. We didn’t just clean the visible areas; we removed and decontaminated refrigeration components and performed targeted cleaning behind fixed chillers to eliminate hidden bacterial reservoirs.
Air Quality & Pathogen Control
Using advanced air-quality monitoring, we identified a spike in airborne particulates. SafeGroup immediately escalated site controls:
- Deployment of H-class HEPA air purification units to scrub the air.
- Chemical fogging to neutralise airborne bacteria.
- Implementation of enhanced respiratory PPE for all on-site personnel.
Bespoke Structural Drying Solution
To protect the building fabric, we installed an industrial-scale drying circuit:
- Injection drying for affected wall structures.
- High-efficiency desiccant and condenser dehumidifiers.
- Weekly moisture monitoring throughout December to ensure the building reached “dry standards.”
The Outcome: Reopened for Peak Trading
By 2 December 2025, just over two weeks after the initial breach, the store was stabilised, decontaminated, and safe for restocking.
By identifying air quality risks early and implementing a bespoke drying solution, SafeGroup created a safe environment for follow-on trades to complete repairs. Our intervention ensured M&S Monmouth could trade through the vital December peak period, protecting both revenue and brand reputation.
“They were absolutely incredible from start to finish, providing constant updates throughout to keep us fully informed. The entire job was handled with the utmost professionalism and the standard of work was consistently excellent. We truly appreciate the level of service delivered.”
— John Boyle, Area Maintenance Manager (West Division), City FM
Before & After
“Safe Group are a trusted supply chain partner to our business, supporting specialist and emergency cleaning services across our portfolio. Safe Group provide rapid effective solutions. Evidencing commitment, expertise, and flexibility, with attention to detail, they have been instrumental in delivering a successful outcome for us and that of our clients. ”
“I've worked with SafeGroup for a number of years now, for a variety of services from flood responses, sewage spills, commercial or high-level cleans, and upholstery cleaning. I've always found their service excellent, always providing a swift response when we need them, and a great quality of work too. ”
“SafeGroup delivers specialist and reactive cleaning services across the M&S estate, covering both food and department stores. We rely on their service nationally across a combined 1000+ store list. SafeGroup offers a genuine partnership approach, through bespoke management systems and dedicated personnel. It is constantly seeking to improve and overdeliver. From floor and carpet cleaning to emergency flood or sewage response cleans, SafeGroup delivers an end-to-end service that ensures we are operational and compliant. Its quality of work is backed up by its communication and reporting. This is testament to our successful and continually growing partnership.”
“We have been working in partnership with Safegroup for approximately 3 years now. We have developed the account over the past few years and have found Safegroup very easy to deal with. They have supported us on numerous disasters and always delivered works to a high standard. Communication has always been great throughout. It’s piece of mind knowing we have their support whenever required.”
