Business Continuity
In addition to emergency planning, Local Authorities, in accordance with the Civil Contingencies Act (2004), also have the duty to promote good Business Continuity practice within the council, local businesses and voluntary organisations within in the Borough of Kingston.
The Council itself is ensuring that business continuity plans are in place, so it is able to maintain vital services to the community and staff.
Business Continuity is the process of planning so that businesses and voluntary organisations can cope with and continue to provide services during the unexpected. It ensures that, when faced with disruption or disaster, businesses can carry on or resume operations with minimum delay.
Compiling a business continuity plan should ensure that your business, no matter how small or large and complex, can promptly resume its operations if any unforeseen event occurs. This would helping to ensure that key customers, your brand, reputation and key suppliers are maintained, as well as your long-term survival.
Did you know..?
- One in five businesses suffers a major disruption every year.
- More than 50 per cent of companies who do not have a business continuity plan are hit by a disaster and go out of business within 12 months.
What could affect my business?
Businesses in the Royal Borough of Kingston could be affected by many types of incident which they need to be prepared for, these include:
- Long term absence of staff
- Loss of premises for a long time
- Prolonged disruption to transport services
- Breakdown of communication channels and utilities, such as electricity or gas supplies
- Lack of IT services
- Major equipment failure, and
- Damage to the public image of your business
- Fire
- Flood
The process of Business Continuity involves assessing risks and making, communicating and testing plans. The main principle is about managing resources, including staff, premises, equipment, communications networks, security, supplies and public relations through a crisis. Having a business continuity plan may make the difference between keeping or losing your business in the event of a disaster.
Business Continuity does not have to be complex.
Many of the actions businesses and organisations can take are simple, yet effective. Some simple steps include:
- Ensuring you have a fire evacuation plan and good fire protection measures.
- Making a full list of all organisations and individuals the company deals with including staff, suppliers, utilities, customers, professional associations, insurers. Ensuring that it is kept up to date, with copies held in more than 1 location.
- Ensuring computer systems are password protected, and regularly changed.
- Making sure premises are properly secured to cut the risk of theft and damage.
- Backing up computer applications and work, keeping at least one in another safe location.
- If reliant upon suppliers, identifying alternatives, and preferably buying from more than one where possible.
- Considering the use of alternative accommodation and staff in an emergency.
For further information please see the below document: