Running a business can be unpredictable; we never know what's around the corner. Many businesses have been forced to close their doors due to events that they simply could not control - the floods were a huge reminder of the many risks that can affect businesses both directly and indirectly.
However, there are some simple steps that businesses of all sizes can take to help manage any unexpected interruptions more effectively, continue to operate throughout and recover as effectively as possible afterwards.
Business continuity planning is a cost effective way of identifying risks to help businesses plan for what would have been an unexpected disruption. By thinking about potential risks, it also forces you to think about how you can increase your resilience to events and how you can manage your response if you need to. It's important to remember that risks to businesses aren't just the headline grabbers like flooding, but anything that can stop you in your tracks, such as a power outage, postal strike, sickness, a fire or a burst water pipe.
Most businesses will have at least one or two near miss incidents over the years that could have stopped the business operating. A good starting point in planning for a disruption is to think about whether your business could survive if an outside event stopped you from working.
There are four main steps to business continuity planning:
- Highlight the areas of your business that are crucial to its ongoing operation, i.e. the aspects that can't be stopped for any reason
- Identify ways of keeping these areas of the business running during a disruption. For example, back up systems, remote working, or training staff from non-critical areas to support key areas of work
- Agree who will manage a major disruption, who will be in charge, where you will work from, who will talk to customers, and so on
- Check the arrangements to see if they work, and train staff on what to do in the event of an incident.
As well as being prepared, a good Business Continuity plan may also:
- Give you a competitive advantage by demonstrating to customers your ability to deliver during a disruption
- Provide reassurance to shareholders and investors
- Lower insurance costs
- Lead to continuous improvement of your systems and procedures
More information
There is a range of free help and advice available to support business continuity.
The Humber Emergency Planning Service (HEPS), on behalf of the Council, provides specialist help and advice to businesses in the Humber region on a range of topics including emergency planning, risk management and business continuity.
The Government has developed a Business Continuity Management Toolkit specifically with small and medium business in mind. Visit the direct.gov preparing for emergencies webpage for more information.
The Business Continuity Institute also offers help and advice. Visit the Business Continuity Institute website for more information.