Business Continuity

Planning for the Unexpected

Whatever the company size, there is an increasing awareness of the need to respond quickly and decisively to incidents that can disrupt normal trading. To make sure that your company is not critically affected by unforeseen events we would recommend that you have a clear and robust plan in place to minimise any adverse effects to your business operations.

Business Continuity Planning is about identifying and anticipating crises that may affect a company and planning for them, ensuring that it can continue to operate in the event of an emergency. It need not try and encompass every eventuality but it should take into consideration the most likely events that could have a serious impact on business operations.

Importantly, this process will set out clear staff roles and key responsibilities, for example, those assigned to manage liaison with customers, employees and the emergency services. It also lists a series of contingencies that will enable vital commercial activities to continue in the most difficult circumstances. If you are unfortunate to be affected by an unforeseen event, just think of the effect on your business if the following should happen:
• You are unable to deliver to customers
• Communications systems are disrupted
• Vital computer systems go down
• Critical process machinery is damaged
• Loss of key employees
• Buildings, or part of a building, cannot be accessed
• Suppliers cannot deliver

Because developing a Business Continuity Plan requires an assessment of all critical areas, this process is also recognised as a valuable management tool, highlighting processes and procedures that could place your company at significant risk. And there is also the commercial benefit to consider. For example, large organisations that rely on the outsourced services of third parties will prefer to work with suppliers who themselves have a detailed and current Business Continuity Plan in place.

That is why we recommend that all businesses should carry out a thorough analysis of their exposure to risk.

If you would like to find out more about Business Continuity, please contact one of our team on the details above.