Business continuity

We all hope never to be affected by a major incident or disaster; equally we all hope that, if one does occur, "someone somewhere" will know what to do. We know that the emergency services will play their part in any serious incident. But we may not be too sure of what happens next, how we will be kept informed, or how we will get back to business.

This is where Business Continuity Planning (BCP) comes in. Its purpose is to ensure we are all able to respond sensibly, both as individuals and as an organisation. Since the planning process tells us where the risks are highest and the potential greatest, we are better able to foresee problems and guard against them developing into serious disruptions.

Do you need a business continuity plan?

• At 11:20am on 15 June 1996 a terrorist bomb exploded in the heart of Manchester. Some 650 businesses were affected including hotels and housing (source: Business as Usual - A Handbook for Managers (Home Office (Revised)1999).
• Up to 90% of businesses that lose data caused by a disruption or disaster are forced to close down within two years (source: London Prepared).
• Approximately 80% of businesses affected by a major disruption/incident close within 18 months (source: London Prepared).