Considering the risks to your business and undertaking planning business continuity very early on, your business will return to a "business as usual" state as quickly as possible following an incident.
It is important that your business is able to re-open as quickly as possible following an incident. Even a relatively short interruption to normal activity could damage your customer relationships and business reputation.
Part of your business continuity planning will involve making contingency plans for the sudden loss or unavailability of the following:
worksites
staff / skills
suppliers / partners
specialist equipment
technology and communications; and
data / information.
Top tips
back up your data. Do you have the latest version of your files backed up, away from your office? How about burning your new documents onto CD at the end of each day?
ensure that important paper documents are protected. Have extra copies and make sure that storage if waterproof and fire resistant
keep a staff contact list at home. This would ensure that all staff could be contacted and warned to stay away from the office within a few minutes of an emergency being declared
keep a list of staff that have computers and email addresses at home – that way you’ll know who could work effectively from home if needs be
be aware of your insurance policies – what they cover and what they don’t. Keep a back up copy away from the office so that you can access them easily in the event of an emergency
have an inventory of all equipment, assets and products to give you an overview and to make it easier for you to work out your losses after an incident
have an emergency pack. You could include your business recovery plan, key telephone numbers, stationary, spare keys, cash, credit card, first aid kit, torch etc
make sure you have a mobile phone for work purposes and that all staff and clients are aware of the number so you can be contacted easily in light of a disruption
test your plan regularly and keep it up to date; and
always remember that prevention is better than cure!.