In a time when businesses, and those who run them and work in them, are facing a cost of living crisis, a cost of doing business crisis, and an energy crisis, a continuity plan is not just a buoy in the sea, it’s the rescue helicopter.

IMPORTANT: In the first instance, from a business or personal perspective, if you are facing difficulties with energy bills, contact your supplier. Utility firms are compiling support packages for customers in need, so get in touch with them if you need.

Power cuts

One factor for businesses to contemplate this winter is the prospect of planned or unplanned power cuts.

Is your business prepared for power interruptions? If you were without electricity for a few hours, what impact would that have on your business operations? What work can be done offline?

Equipment and data

What equipment would need to be protected ahead of planned power outages? Perhaps equipment that holds sensitive or vital data. Some equipment may need to be switched off ahead of a planned power outage, but some may need attention in the event of an unexpected outage too.

How will your staff be affected?

How easy or difficult would your staff find it to work in a power cut? Whether they work from home, remotely elsewhere, or in an office or warehouse, contemplate who might be affected, when and for how long. If you have staff working in different parts of the country, they may find themselves offline at different times of the day.

Depending on how much warning there would be ahead of a planned power outage, this would be tricky, but thinking about it in the context of an unplanned power outage can help you think about how you could adapt to cope.

Could staff work from alternative locations when power is cut? Or can working hours be adjusted to fit around any outages?

Communication is everything

No matter what, communicate your plans and advice to your staff at every opportunity. Local travel updates and safety announcements should be shared – and be aware that these may be different for different team members.

The prospect of power interruptions can be a troubling thought for many, so be aware that people will need reassurance.

That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and think about how to manage in worst-case scenarios.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Get in touch for advice on business continuity planning

If you would like to speak with one of our Business Advisers about business continuity planning, email us at BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130.