Business continuity has become increasingly important given the challenging environments in which businessess now operate.
One in five UK businesses suffers a disruptive event every year caused by incidents such as staff sickness, loss of technology, denial of access to its site or loss of a key supplier. These events may lead to the complete failure of a business through disruption to cash flow or lasting damage to their reputation. Known and emerging risks have increased in complexity and number (cybercrime, terrorism), while unforeseen events can also have unanticipated major impacts.
Business Continuity
Business continuity is about understanding potential risks to your business, finding solutions and planning so it can continue to function.
For example, what if:
- you lost access to the building you operate from?
- you lost one, more, or all of your IT systems?
- you lost your key data to a cyber attack?
- snow, flu, or a fuel shortage meant you have significantly less staff in?
- there was a loss of utilities, particularly long term?
- a business specific risk has unexpectedly occurred
By creating a plan, your business will be better prepared to deal with disruption whatever the cause.
Here are some practical examples you could consider:
- Backups (to help restore lost data)
- Cross team partnership (can you borrow staff from another area if your business is hit? Or use agency staff?)
- Designate alternative premises (or work from home)
- Alternative means of contact (such as WhatsApp)
Having a business continuity plan gives your business a competitive advantage
For many small businesses being able to demonstrate proven plans to continue delivery of goods and services in the face of disruption inspires confidence with clients. Equally, when tendering for contracts, many companies are being asked to prove they have a business continuity plan. It is often a requirement of insurance cover to have a business continuity plan.
Where can you go for help?
The Business Continuity Institute is the leading global authority on business continuity.
Cyber security is important because smartphones and computers are a vital part of everyday life that almost everybody interacts with. Protecting your business digitally is important, it’s not just your back office systems, it’s how your business is accessed online by the public.
To find out more:
In Dorset, businesses can contact the Dorset Chamber of Commerce:
For further information about physical and protective security for your business premises:
For further advice please contact your relevant local council.
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Emergency Planning and Resilience Team – BCP Council
Email: emergency.planning@bcpcouncil.gov.uk -
Emergency Planning Service – Dorset Council
Email: emergencyplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
