Prepare for wintry weather with business continuity plans

Following the coldest winter for three decades last year, which caused widespread disruption to businesses, forecasters are predicting another harsh, snow-filled winter in the coming months.
 
Positive Weather Solutions has predicted that the winter of 2010/11 is likely to see similarly icy temperatures to last year and more of the ‘disruptive snowfall’ which hampered deliveries, triggered heating and power failures and left many employees unable to get into work.
 
According to a YouGov poll, 58% of senior decision-makers at small businesses said their companies suffered as a result of the snow last winter, despite 78% believing their firms were sufficiently prepared.
 
As a result, the Forum of Private Business is urging smaller companies to prepare for any potential adverse weather now by putting in place business continuity plans.
 
Spokesman Phil McCabe said: “We estimated that last winter’s snowfalls were costing smaller businesses across the UK around £230 million each day at one point. Obviously, in the current climate, small firms can ill afford a similar expenditure this year so we’re urging business owners to think about their contingency plans now to ensure they aren’t put out of action by another icy winter.”