Survival is not Compulsory

The recent catastrophe at Buncefield, Hemel Hempstead has shown just how vulnerable local business can be to a devastating disaster. Whilst most companies don't operate in the shadow of a fuel terminal, a simple fuel tanker explosion could cause similar effects anywhere in Bedfordshire.

A survey by insurance company AXA found that small and medium business in the South-East are the least prepared to recover from a disaster, with only 48% having business continuity plans in place.

Across the country when small and medium companies suffered disasters AXA found it took 43% of them up to a week to recover but 16% took up to a year to recover and 5% more than that. Only 35% were back in business the next day. Now the Bedfordshire and Luton Resilience Forum a consortium of Local Authorities, Emergency Services and leading business organisations - is challenging companies to use its checklist to see if they are prepared.

Take our survey to see if you are ready.

Survival is not compulsory, but it's preferable to the alternative.

Business Continuity Plan

Time and money are rare commodities in most small businesses, so the prospect of having to spend thousands of pounds on new security equipment or weeks formulating a business continuity plan often makes companies unwilling to act. But many of the actions companies can take to secure their business against unforeseen circumstances cost little if any money. Free advice about writing business continuity plans can also be found on the web or obtained from local councils who are now charged with assisting companies improve their business continuity planning.

"The cost of not thinking about disasters now could ruin a company in the future" says Iain Berry, Mid Beds Emergency Planning Officer. "Spending a day thinking about what to do if there's a power cut or if key members of staff can't get in because of snow can save a family business," he says. "Continuity is about being aware of what could happen and making plans to deal with it". Now is the time to ask all the "what if" questions, remembering that the loss of an important member of staff can be as devastating to the company, as a terrorist's bomb."

One example is Dorset Architectural Ironmongers, which sells locks and security fittings. They spent about £5,000 preparing business continuity plans, including the cost of battery back up for the phone lines.
So when the power went out in Dorchester, where the company is based, they were able to maintain their communication links with customers.

The battery cost about £300 but it more than paid for itself by enabling the company to continue to take sales calls when their competitors were cut off.

Survival is not compulsory, but it's preferable to the alternative.

reviewed 09 April 2008