SMEs urged to be prepared when disaster strikes

SMALLER firms are being encouraged to consider business continuity or disaster recovery services to ensure ‘business as usual’ survival.

Halifax-based Instant Availability, which runs dedicated business continuity centre (BCC) The Continuum, says that many owner/managers still regard such services as appropriate for large organisations.

According to Chris Mantle, marketing manager for Instant Availability, such views are understandable as most BCCs still only cater for big firms.

“The SME sector hasn’t really been catered for,” he said.

“But smaller firms still need to ensure their business can continue in the event of a disaster. The Continuum has been designed specifically for the small to medium business.”

Mr Mantle said that it’s not just disasters such as flooding and fire that can stop a business from operating but more mundane events such as loss of communications, damage to IT or safety and access problems.

“It’s therefore essential to have a backup strategy to ensure you can continue trading in the shortest possible time-scale,” he continued.

“It’s not just the quantifiable costs that need to be considered, such as not being able to invoice, staff not working but on full pay, loss of direct revenues for the period.”

Government figures show that 80% of businesses who are affected by a major incident either never reopen, or close within 18 months.

As well as the financial impact, firms need to consider damage to their reputation, loss of market presence and potential legal action.

Customer loyalty can also be adversely affected while confidence is improved if firms show they take business continuity seriously.

The Continuum offers 120 fully equipped work positions available for access within four hours, full call centre facilities and even legally admissible voice recording.

A high specification server/communications room is available to back-up, manage and maintain customer’s servers and for those who have lost them, servers are available on site.

It currently serves more than 20 live clients including solicitors, accountants and blue chip firms.

Mr Mantle said that because of its location, the centre was ideal for businesses on M62/65 corridor although Instant Availability has set up a network of disaster recovery/BCP partners who can offer further service for clients requiring multiple locations plans.

“Not having something in place could make the difference between survival or failure,” said Mr Mantle.

“Developing a business continuity strategy is equally if not more important for SMEs. It is crucial to ensure ‘business as usual’ survival in the event of work place interruption in today’s fast paced and competitive business environment.”