What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan should be a set of instructions of what to do, and what not to do, at the time of a crisis. It is often created by someone, or a group of people, who know how the whole business is run.

Business continuity is about thinking ahead and planning for a crisis that could affect your business, making sure that it can survive. In short, it is about ensuring that a crisis does not become a disaster.

Why should I use a business continuity plan?

Experience shows that businesses are far more likely to survive a disaster if they have thought about it in advance, and planned accordingly.
Banks, investors, insurers, customers and suppliers will take a company that has a business continuity plan much more seriously. Business continuity plans build employee confidence. Employees will appreciate the fact that the business is doing all it can to protect their safety and place of work.

In the end, business continuity is about responsible management. It makes a business a safer place to work and contributes to financial stability.

Does a small company need a business continuity plan?

Yes, even a sole trader is advised to have systems in place to be able to continue his/her work in case of fraud, theft, sabotage, flooding, fire, IT and utility failures and terrorist attacks.

How should a company communicate a business continuity plan to its employees?

Without undue alarm. The plan should be communicated to all employees in an easy to understand, accessible format that emphasises the company's commitment to business continuity management.

What systems should be in place to assist with a fast recovery programme?

It is very important to focus on keeping back-ups and copies of documents off-site, as well as having a plan that focuses on your mission critical activities and caters for an alternative site to work from.

How do I prepare a plan?

Step 1 - Analyse your business

What is essential to the running of your business?

By completing the 10 minute self assessment on the London Prepared website (external link) you will be able to measure the vulnerability of your business and consider actions to reduce the impact of an emergency on your business.

Step 2 - Assess the risks

What is the likelihood of an incident occurring?
What type of incident?
What or who will it affect?

Step 3 - Develop your strategy

Start writing your plan, covering the areas your risk assessment has identified.

Step 4 - Develop and keep developing your plan

When doing this involve as many people as you can. This ensures awareness, ownership, and contribution to a good sound plan.

Step 5 – Rehearse the plan

To make sure it all works and employees know their roles and responsibilities test what you have written down and amend it after the testing and exercising.