Disaster can strike your business at any time so don’t just sit back and wait for it to happen. And don’t think it will never happen to you. Figures suggest the reality is you should be thinking about when it is likely to happen, not if:
Both severe weather events and cyber attacks are on the increase.
A report published earlier this year by the National Cyber Security Centre showed that both the number and complexity of cyber attacks on businesses are increasing. As cyber criminals become more sophisticated the task of stopping them becomes more difficult. The “internet of things” where an increasing number of devices are connected to the internet adds to the problem.
A Government report on UK climate change forecasts that hotter summers and wetter, warmer winters are on the horizon. Flooding is expected to become more commonplace, occurring with greater frequency and becoming more widespread. In fact, data from the Met Office shows that 9 out of a total 17 record-breaking rainfall months since records began in 1910, have occurred since 2000.
Weather events and cyber attacks are just two examples of disaster that could hit your business. Disasters can occur for any number of reasons. Fires, collapsed buildings, power cuts, terrorist or bomb threats also impact a business’s ability to continue trading. Despite all the evidence pointing to an increase in disasters, only 25% of small businesses have a business continuity plan in place. Not surprisingly, those that have experienced some kind of disaster in their business are more motivated to put a plan in place. With 80% of businesses struggling to get back on their feet after disaster strikes, surely it’s better to be prepared? Don’t put it off any longer. If you don’t have a business continuity plan, start working on one today. Read our recent blog to help you get started.