Could your business, voluntary organisation or charity survive a flood, fire, or major IT failure?
Many businesses that can't get back to work quickly after a disruption end up closing for good. Being prepared isn't just for large companies. A simple plan can protect your staff, your customers, and your future.
What is a Business Continuity Plan?
A business continuity plan is a simple guide to help you get through an emergency. It answers three basic questions:
- What is most important? (e.g., your staff, your customer data, your order system)
- What could disrupt it? (e.g., fire, flood, power cut, staff sickness)
- What will you do? (e.g., who you will call, how you will keep working)
Simple steps to start your plan
You don't need a 100-page document. A good plan can start with a single page.
Begin by gathering this key information:
- Key Contacts: A list of all staff, key suppliers, and utility providers (gas, water, electric), kept somewhere you can access it if you're not in the building.
- IT & Data: Are your essential files, accounts, and customer lists backed up securely? (e.g., in the cloud). How would you access them?
- Insurance: Do you know who your insurer is and what your policy covers? Keep the policy number and claim line phone number handy.
- Alternative Location: If you can't access your building, can you and your staff work from home? What do they need to do this?