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SMEs 'lack plans to cope with extreme weather'

Published On 20 March 2007 at 12:25:09

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are not planning for extreme weather conditions, according to new research.

The 2007 Business Continuity Management Survey, carried out by the Chartered Management Institute, revealed that 28 per cent of SMEs in the UK had been affected by extreme weather in the 12 months to January.

Despite this, only 34 per cent of small businesses had in place any business continuity plans (BCPs) to cover unexpected disruptions.

"The report reveals a situation where there is still much work to be done," warned Bruce Mann, director of civil contingencies at the Cabinet Office.

"Events from the Carlisle floods to the London bombings and Buncefield explosion have clearly shown the vast range of impacts that emergencies can have. Yet despite these, there are still too many organisations with insufficient business continuity plans in place."

John Sharp, the policy and development director at the Continuity Forum, explained that SMEs needed "to demonstrate their commitment to BCM to key stakeholders internally and externally, but at the same time should encourage suppliers to do the same".

 

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