Business Continuity

© Dr. Mark D. Yates. E: drmarkdyates@aol.com W: www.businessconsultancyonestopshop.com Management Training Company Business Continuity Following A Critical Incident By By Dr. Mark D. Yates © Business Consultancy One Stop Shop

Management Training Company Business Continuity The Issue

The tragic events of Post Sept’ 11 th , in particular July 7th 2005 in London, should make all HR managers think carefully about how prepared their business is for any type of critical incident.

We are all conducting business in uncertain times. Protecting the future of the firm has to be the number one priority for every business manager.

Management Training Company Business Continuity The Issue - The Problem

Statistics suggest that almost half (46%) of London businesses do not have a business continuity plan in place.

This means that those directly impacted, suffering a major or even a minor loss may find it impossible to continue to trade, particularly if they do not have terrorism insurance cover. Source: Vanson Bourne research, October 2004

Management Training Company Business Continuity Critical Incident Downside

80% of all businesses affected by

serious incidents never re-open,

or close within 18 months.

Business interruption hits companies in

Customer Relationships.

Cash Flow.

Reputation.

Staff Moral.

Understanding incidents like fire, flood or computer failure, highlight where long term damage is done.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Firm - Too Small For A Business Continuity Plan?

The smaller your business, the more important it is to have a contingency plan in place. Any incident, no matter how small, is capable of impacting your business & profitability.

The size of any continuity plan will depend on the risks facing each business – it will be as large or as small as needed.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Small Businesses Hit Harder

The impact of any critical incident is likely to be more pronounced for SME’s. The majority of SME’s operate in specialised markets with limited product ranges & relatively small customer bases.

Any short interruption to business can have a disproportionate effect, totally halting output & leaving customers high & dry.

Source: AXA Insurance.

Management Training Company Business Continuity What Is Continuity Planning

It’s about anticipating crises that could befall a business & planning for them.

It sets out clear roles & responsibilities.

It states who takes charge of specific roles.

It lists a series of contingencies.

Details clear emergency procedures to ensure risks to staff are minimised.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Business Continuity Plan

A business continuity plan sets out clear roles and responsibilities, for example those assigned to manage all liaison with

Customers.

Employees.

Emergency services.

It lists a series of contingencies that enable key business activities to continue in the most difficult circumstances.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Threats To A Business

Examples of threats to a business are

A vital computer system is unavailable.

Critical process machinery is damaged.

Loss of key employees.

The building, or part of the building, cannot be accessed, and...

Suppliers are unable to deliver.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Common Small Business Disasters

Fire/Flood

Computer telecoms failure

Key equipment failure

People issues – illness, resignation, maternity leave

Denial of access to premises

Product defects

Bomb – terrorism threats

Legal regulatory action

Utilities failure

Negative press or media coverage

Management Training Company Business Continuity Commercial Benefit Of A Continuity Plan

There is also the commercial

benefit to consider.

Companies with business continuity plans are more attractive to do business with.

For example

Large businesses that rely on the outsourced services of third parties will prefer to work with suppliers who have a Business Continuity

Plan in place.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Business Continuity Summary

80% of all businesses affected by serious incidents never re-open, or close within 18 months.

46% of London businesses do not have a business continuity plan in place.

Less than 20% of London Businesses have a dedicated team to handle a major incident.

Barely a quarter (13%) of SMEs said they had managed to test their business continuity plans.

Insurers are now seriously looking at how a business, plans for a major incident before insuring them.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Our Professional Service

Our Threat Management Unit will

Design

Produce

Test

Evaluate

Manage

Your Business Continuity Plan.

Management Training Company Business Continuity Cost of Professional Services

Initial Consultation £500.00 & travel expenses.

Producing a Business Continuity Plan, Minimum Charge £1.600.00. Depending on size of company and scope of project.

Testing effectiveness of Continuity Plan = price to be agreed with business owner.

WIIFY

20% commission on initial consultation fee.

10% commission on all further fees earned.

Contact: www.businessconsultancyonestopshop.com © Dr. Mark D. Yates. E: drmarkdyates@aol.com W: www.businessconsultancyonestopshop.com Business Consultancy One Stop Shop.com [email_address]