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Business continuity management

Details of types of incidents that could damage a business and their likely outcomes, as well as guidance for business on creating a continuity plan.

Does your business or organisation have a plan to recover from a major incident? What would you do if an incident occurred that prevented you from trading as normal? An unforeseen event can happen at any time.

Types of incidents include:

  • computer failure or loss of data
  • failure of critical suppliers
  • loss of key personnel
  • loss of premises due to fire or flood
  • loss of telecommunications, power, water or gas

Types of outcomes as a consequence of a damaging incident:

  • higher insurance premiums
  • loss of income
  • loss of customers
  • loss of reputation
  • staff or recruitment problems
  • complete failure of business

Creating a business continuity plan

A disaster recovery plan or business continuity plan is essential to protect a business or voluntary organisation.

A plan can:

  • help to manage the impact of an incident and promote a quicker recovery
  • set out clear actions, roles and responsibilities to give staff confidence in a crisis
  • enhance your reputation with customers and suppliers, as many will only do business with an organisation that shows business continuity

For help with creating a plan, contact the Business Continuity Manager on 01473 260439, available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm or email emergency.planning@suffolk.gov.uk.

Further guidance

Find advice, templates and case studies about business continuity on the Suffolk Resilience Forum.