Intelligent SME.tech Issue 33 | Page 29

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// FEATURE //

LL SMES NEED a Business

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Continuity plan ( BCP ). This plan helps your company survive and to continue running after , or during , a major disruption or disaster , like a fire , flood , cyberattack or pandemic . It highlights the step-by-step process of what should be done to prevent risks that can lead to your business having to close under various scenarios and aims to protect critical business functions so you can continue operating and implement a recovery strategy . The effects of a disruption are unique to every business . With Disaster Recovery planning , there is no standard response and so your BCP will be unique .
Who should be involved in creating your Business Continuity plan ?
As the owner or managing director of your business , it ’ s your responsibility to create a continuity plan for your company . If you have set up a company with a partner , you should work together to create the plan and make crucial business decisions but do harness the knowledge and experience of people who are fundamental to the operation of your business .
What to include in a Business Continuity plan
Begin with an assessment of the key functions and processes of your business , the potential threats and risks and the impact these could have on your company . For example , your production services if you manufacture products , your IT infrastructure if you ’ re a website designer or your stock if you ’ re a retailer . Other processes could include accounting , human resources , marketing and sales .
Understanding the threats
Consider ranking threats in order of highest to lowest risk of disrupting your business . Threats could include biological hazard ; epidemic or pandemic illness ; natural disasters ; fires ; floods ; gas leaks ; power cuts and cyberattacks . Also consider threats to your supply chains .
Determining the impact
A Business Impact Analysis predicts the potential consequences of your business

ONCE YOU ’ VE LISTED YOUR KEY RESOURCES , IT ’ S IMPORTANT TO DETERMINE YOUR CONTINGENCY PLAN TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS CONTINUE RUNNING AND RECOVER IN THE EVENT OF A DISASTER .
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