Global risk management and insurance broker Gallagher collated information from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a platform that tracks global political violence and protests, and discovered 994 recorded incidents in the UK last year, driven by issues including climate change, politics and immigration. The summer also saw widespread demonstrations and riots after three children were murdered in Southport, with insured losses estimated at £250m.

Gallagher’s survey of business leaders found that 47% of firms affected by protests, vandalism, looting and riots had to close their premises, while 44% said their premises were damaged and 40% had stock or equipment damaged or stolen.

Many business leaders blame social media for flare-ups, with 44% citing the spread of information as a major contributing factor; however, 49% point to economic conditions as the root cause.

Social issues are also seen as a driver, with 39% blaming “difficult issues facing the country”, while 36% think the UK is more divided than it was five years ago and 22% pointed to the intergenerational wealth imbalance.

Business leaders are now more likely to be concerned about risks to their trading from antisocial behaviour than from terrorism, cited by 32% versus 30%. Of companies affected by antisocial behaviour, 41% of firms had experienced theft, 38% threatening behaviour and 36% vandalism.

“With many of the underlying conditions cited by business leaders still present, 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,” said Gallagher crisis management director Jonathan Rae.