Less Than 5% Of UK Business Have A Disaster Recovery Plan
Every business hopes that it will not have a risk related experience that could put its existence in danger, but in reality a number always will.
Companies are often caught off guard by natural disasters, with so many gamblers out there taking the view 'it won't happen to me', it is not surprising that very few small - medium companies survive a natural disaster.
Companies are often caught off guard by natural disasters, with so many gamblers out there taking the view 'it won't happen to me', it is not surprising that very few small - medium companies survive a natural disaster.
The current flooding throughout Yorkshire, Gloustershire and Oxfordshire should be a warning to companies that these disasters occur with no warning and can destroy your company.
The explosion that occurred at Buncefield fuel depot near Hemel Hempstead in December 2005 is a sad testament to this. What was initially a relatively small explosion subsequently resulted in a huge detonation and the incident had serious implications for the businesses in the area.
Few of these businesses thought this would ever happen to them. However, those who had planned for the possibility were comfortable with their preparation. Others looked nervously on and, as a result of a situation way beyond their control, found their businesses at risk, in some cases for several weeks.
It is fact that 80% of UK businesses fail within three years of a major fire, flood or storm, which may have something to do with the fact that less than five per cent of UK businesses have a disaster recovery plan. In essence, business continuity planning and risk management is considering the worst case scenario, researching the options and drawing up a plan to deal with it.
It is only by having good physical security, effective staff awareness as well as working procedures and policies in place to deal with different scenarios, all backed up by a sound business continuity plan, that will allow you to continue trading following an incident. Often, if you have all these things in place, then incidents are nipped in the bud and do not escalate out of control.
As well as taking the above necessary security measures, Stuart Fisher, director and general manager at Wessex Fire and Security, advises businesses to plan ahead:
'Businesses should consider their ability to continue trading in the event of a disaster. The importance of Business Continuity Planning and Management can save a business from financial ruin in such cases and will help prevent chaos in crisis rather than trying to recover from a disaster. This type of planning and management doesn't need to cost vast sums of money. If you are unsure of how to go about things, contact an NSI accredited company who will help review your current fire and security strategy.'
'The installation of a verified central station alarm with panic buttons ensures the police can be contacted in an emergency situation. Always know what you want the CCTV to do for the business and ensure that it is compatible with police equipment for evidential purposes before purchasing any system. And last but by no means least, always contact your insurers before purchasing any security equipment to ensure it complies with their specifications.'
For more information on business continuity planning please call Wessex Fire and Security on 01747 852258 or click here for the Means of Escape interactive guide.
The explosion that occurred at Buncefield fuel depot near Hemel Hempstead in December 2005 is a sad testament to this. What was initially a relatively small explosion subsequently resulted in a huge detonation and the incident had serious implications for the businesses in the area.
Few of these businesses thought this would ever happen to them. However, those who had planned for the possibility were comfortable with their preparation. Others looked nervously on and, as a result of a situation way beyond their control, found their businesses at risk, in some cases for several weeks.
It is fact that 80% of UK businesses fail within three years of a major fire, flood or storm, which may have something to do with the fact that less than five per cent of UK businesses have a disaster recovery plan. In essence, business continuity planning and risk management is considering the worst case scenario, researching the options and drawing up a plan to deal with it.
It is only by having good physical security, effective staff awareness as well as working procedures and policies in place to deal with different scenarios, all backed up by a sound business continuity plan, that will allow you to continue trading following an incident. Often, if you have all these things in place, then incidents are nipped in the bud and do not escalate out of control.
As a starting point businesses can manage the safety and security of their sites to deter unwanted visitors via:
- Clear signage to receptions
- Signing-in books for visitors and vehicles
- Staff and visitor identification
- Door access control systems
- Photo-cell switched external lighting
- Central station intruder alarm with panic buttons
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
As well as taking the above necessary security measures, Stuart Fisher, director and general manager at Wessex Fire and Security, advises businesses to plan ahead:
'Businesses should consider their ability to continue trading in the event of a disaster. The importance of Business Continuity Planning and Management can save a business from financial ruin in such cases and will help prevent chaos in crisis rather than trying to recover from a disaster. This type of planning and management doesn't need to cost vast sums of money. If you are unsure of how to go about things, contact an NSI accredited company who will help review your current fire and security strategy.'
'The installation of a verified central station alarm with panic buttons ensures the police can be contacted in an emergency situation. Always know what you want the CCTV to do for the business and ensure that it is compatible with police equipment for evidential purposes before purchasing any system. And last but by no means least, always contact your insurers before purchasing any security equipment to ensure it complies with their specifications.'
For more information on business continuity planning please call Wessex Fire and Security on 01747 852258 or click here for the Means of Escape interactive guide.
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