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Every business is at risk of disruption from a variety of threats, as well as fire, these threats can include flood, loss of power or even loss of staff.

80% of businesses (without a business continuity plan) that are hit by a major incident either never re-open or close within 18 months. Almost 1 in 5 businesses suffer disruption every year.

What would happen if your business, organisation or association was involved in an emergency or disaster?

Business continuity provides a planned response - combined with effective measures to reduce interruption and minimise losses. Without effective business planning, a natural or man-made disaster or, an internal or external service disruption could result in:

• A complete failure to your business.
• Loss of reputation and/or loss of customers.
• Financial, legal and regulatory penalties.
• Human resource issues.
• An impact on insurance premiums.

If you do not have a Business Continuity Plan this short assessment will outline the criteria you need to consider in order to help enable you to prepare for an emergency (internal or external) that may disrupt you business/ organisation.

This quick 10 minute assessment will enable you to evaluate how far you have gone with business continuity planning.

Business Continuity Planning is seen as a way of improving resilience within the community. Responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 require Local Authorities to promote Business Continuity to businesses and the Voluntary Sector.

The Ten Local Authorities in Greater Manchester Emergency Planning Unit can provide general advice and can assist by giving details of useful websites, examples of best practice, Business Continuity Management techniques and further reading.

Should you require specific advice for your particular business, web links are provided to organisations that can assist you with Business Continuity Management planning.    

Reducing the threat of fire to your business can begin by having a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment of your premises. This is a legal duty which should be undertaken by the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Details can be found here. -Fire and resilience - Department for Communities and Local Government

Local Authority Links to Business Continuity Website pages

The Greater Manchester local authorities have put together a guide on Business Continuity, which is available to download below

Business Continuity Advice.

Other Advice

• The Business Continuity Institute
• General business continuity advice : Directgov - Home and community.
• Business Continuity Advice

Last update: 20/06/2011 15:32:51