Writing a business continuity plan
Since almost the start of January 2020, the UK economy has had to face up to one of its greatest challenges. During this time, COVID-19 has hit businesses hard and is showing no immediate signs of disappearing. And while the task of dealing with its impact has seemed overwhelming at times, there are things businesses can do to prepare for a more optimistic future.
At JR Accounts, we’ve put our heads together in order to create an effective business continuity plan (BCP) for organisations small and large to work with.
Protect people
Wherever possible, ensure that employees are provided with the necessary tools to safely work from home. Once virtual working environments are in place, tasks and deadlines can easily be assigned and met via email and video conferencing.
If your centre of operations is able to remain open for business, it’s important that government advice is closely followed. For instance, clear signage should be displayed, reminding people to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands and appropriately dispose of waste.
Sufficient antibacterial gels and antiseptic wipes should be made readily available to all members of staff.
Physical contact should be kept to an absolute minimum, with social-distancing rules observed at all times. Where necessary, face masks should be worn and/or glass, Perspex or acrylic screens should be installed in place.
For full details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
Continuity is key
Ideally, clients should be none the wiser regarding the changes businesses have needed to make in order to combat the threat of COVID-19. Of course, this doesn’t so much apply to shops and cafés. But in many cases, as long as employees are equipped with the necessary equipment to work from home, it can appear to be business as usual.
Food-and-drink-based retailers, in particular, have had to make significant adjustments in order to protect employees and customers. Unsurprisingly, this has contributed to a reduction in customer footfall. However, even with social-distancing, the wearing of face masks and the need to regularly sanitise key areas all being observed, maintaining a viable operation is not impossible.
A successful business recovery plan is based on determining and assessing the threat of coronavirus – and implementing measures that will help your organisation get through the pandemic.
Determine
Determine which areas of your business are impacted most by COVID-19. Decide what can be done to minimise the effects of the outbreak on business efficacy while prioritising the safety of employees and clients.
Assess
How prepared are you to deal with the continued threat of the pandemic? One way to be ready is by making the necessary risk assessments and by regularly reviewing existing measures, checking that they’re, a) up to date and, b) still relevant.
Implement
Ensure that all relevant parties understand their roles and support each other in working towards a common goal. A method of monitoring day-to-day situations needs to be in place so that regular reviews can be made and unexpected developments can be reacted to effectively.
Follow government advice
The UK government has drawn up a series of measures for businesses to follow. It also offers financial support for businesses at this time, details of which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-who-are-paying-sick-pay-to-employees
For help with business planning, contact our Ilford accountants at JR Accounts today.
