You are here: Home: Business: Business support and advice: Business continuity

Business continuity

What is business continuity?

Business Continuity . . . identifying the essential functions within your organisation and considering how these functions would continue to operate during an emergency incident.

Ask yourself:

How long could we cope if there was a power cut or the phones went dead?

What if an incident prevented delivery to a key customer?

• Would they give us another chance or would they go elsewhere?

Is the business at risk of flooding?

How would a major incident affect staff's morale?

• Would they stand by the business or look to move on?
• What impact would their departure have on the business?

How would serious damage to my premises affect the business?

• How easy would it be to contact regular customers to let them know the situation?
• How long would we be able to fulfil orders?
• How would this affect our reputation?

Business continuity may involve making contingency plans for the sudden loss or unavailability of work sites, staff and skills, suppliers and partners, specialist equipment, technology and communications, data and information and utilities. This list is not exhaustive and there may be some risks which are specific to your organisation.

The benefits of advanced planning

Considering business continuity early on, rather than when an emergency occurs, will help prepare you to offer 'business as usual' in the quickest possible time.

Advanced planning helps your business to:

• reduce the potential for financial loss
• maintain a good reputation
• improve staff confidence
• avoid negative publicity.

back to top