Gallagher reveals 2024 protests impacted more than one in four UK businesses

More than one in four UK businesses were impacted by protests, vandalism, looting and riots in 2024, according to new research by broker Gallagher.

According to ACLED data collated by Gallagher’s crisis management team, nearly 1,000 protests took place last year, equivalent to just short of 20 events per week.

Gallagher’s own data, published today (18 February 2025), showed that civil unrest led to 47% of firms reporting that they had to close their premises, 44% saying their premises were damaged and 40% stating that either stock or equipment was damaged or stolen.

The research also revealed that business leaders were more likely to be concerned about risks from anti-social behaviour (32%) on their trading than terrorism risks (30%).

Of the businesses affected by anti-social behaviour, 41% said their firm had experienced a theft, 38% had been subject to threatening behaviour and 36% said vandalism had caused a problem.

Jonathan Rae, director of crisis management at Gallagher, said: “It is clear that all kinds of civil unrest in the UK is a problem and is weighing heavily on the minds of business leaders.

“With many of the underlying conditions cited by business leaders still present in the UK, from inflationary pressures to societal division, it is no surprise UK businesses are concerned about another year of anti-social behaviour and many making plans to protect themselves against its impact.”

Protective measures

The research was conducted in January 2025 among over 500 UK business decision-makers at firms of all sizes.

It also revealed that many businesses have taken measures to prepare for the effects of future trouble – regardless of whether they were impacted in 2024.

For example, more than one in three (35%) have increased security, one in four (28%) have taken action to evaluate the risks they are facing and a similar number (25%) have reviewed their insurance to ensure they are covered in the event of damage or disruption.

Rae said: “Businesses of all types are exposed to civil unrest and having the right insurance is key to mitigating the impact and any financial losses.

“UK business leaders should work with an experienced crisis resilience risk adviser who can provide advice and guidance on what insurance is needed to cover different exposures.

“As well as insuring damage to properties and having the right business interruption cover if firms are unable to trade, businesses should also consider crisis resilience insurance which includes a wide range of cover including risk management advice, access to emergency funds, employee awareness training, 24/7 response consultants, liaison with the authorities and business recovery advice.”