In a recent publication, the Greater London Authority (GLA) issued a brief guide for organisations to help maintain business continuity despite disasters or major disruptions. This provides a timely reminder to all businesses that may be affected by the impact of the London Olympics this summer.
The GLA, in the publication defines Business Continuity Management as “the process of planning to ensure that your business can return to business as usual “as quickly and painlessly as possible in the event of a major disruption or disaster.”
It further explains the point on disasters thus, “Disasters can strike any organisation, large or small. It can arrive in the shape of storm, flood, fire, a terrorist bomb, action by pressure groups, or product contamination.”
Hence, the GLA in its role as government body impresses upon small and large businesses alike to adopt initiatives to either review or implement a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), reiterating the importance of a business plan in the event of disasters or major disruption. The organisation offers several online tools for preparedness including a checklist.
The
Preparing your Business guide offers a five-step guide to develop detailed strategies for the BCP, depending on the size of the organisation. Commenting on this, the GLA says that, “this is a five-step guide to get you started on business continuity planning - Analyse your business, assess the risks, Plan and prepare, communicate your plan and finally Test your plan.”
In a run up to the London Olympics this summer, several Managed Service Providers are offering specialised packages to help organisations prepare and implement their BCP effectively.