Business Coach Stuart Mason discusses what could happen and what businesses can do if disaster hits.
Mason states that “one in four businesses never reopen after a disaster” and that over 60 percent don’t have a “contingency plan” and he pointed out that many are good at thinking about attacks but few act on those thoughts.
The article noted that risks are limitless and that although 99.9 percent of the time everything is harmonious businesses should be prepared for that day when disaster hits. Listing things that could happen, Mason asked “Do you have a contingency plan”.
Some of the disasters are listed here: Major supplier goes bankrupt, Broadband failed, entire staff go sick with Norovirus, technology failure, major fire, access to building blocked, all data files lost, building demolished and so on.
Mason said that his own Contingency plan was detailed and showed exactly what to do and that within eight hours temporary offices were set up, phones diverted and all key people contacted as well as insurers, suppliers and staff and that the plan was “tick box”. Mason’s experience of his business premises catching fire was made easier because of his Contingency Plan and because they were “fully operational” the business not only survived but they never lost a single order or shipment and they were commended by the insurance company for their approach despite the fact the insurance had never asked for a Contingency Plan.
Concluding, Mason said that Contingency Plans were essential and that they should be up to date and all the staff should know about them. The plan should be stored and secure as well as accessible in any disaster. Mason also offers any business without a plan to contact him for a free copy of his.