Acumen disruption following Thames Water burst main

We are sad to share that Acumen has experienced major disruption following a Thames Water trunk main burst in London; Thames Water has accepted responsibility. The incident caused severe flooding in the local area – with water levels exceeding a foot in places (see ITV News coverage) – along with loss of power for several days and ongoing internet connectivity issues.

The main Acumen address was badly flooded: many items on the ground floor were damaged beyond repair, and the entire ground floor is requiring decontamination, extensive drying, and restoration. Because of this, our review and production processes are distrupted. Dealing with the aftermath – including interruption to essential services, engagement with Thames Water and their appointed representatives, plus the ongoing inventories and complex repair – has been highly time-consuming and arduous, which has inevitably delayed editorial work.

To help us get back on track some process are being temporarily combined. Acumen 115 will now be published in June 2026 rather than May and there is a shorter time window between selection and proofs being sent. We are hoping to publish 116 in September as usual.

We are very grateful to readers and contributors who have sent messages of support and understanding during this time, and we thank you for your continued patience.