Business continuity planning is often overlooked while companies religiously practice fire drills. Yet the biggest threat to your organisation isn’t flames – it’s failed technology.
In the UK, we are quite accustomed to the familiar routine of fire drills – filing out of buildings, often in less-than-ideal weather, while someone with a clipboard diligently checks attendance. It is a legal requirement we all accept without question. Yet, when we look at the statistics, there is a striking disparity in the risks we face versus the preparations we make.
The Reality of Modern Business Threats
From Fire Drills to Digital Defence
Why we practice fire safety
The Digital Equivalent
No organisation would wait for a real fire to test their evacuation procedures, yet many wait for a cyber incident or system failure before testing their business continuity plans. The good news? Testing your business continuity plan doesn’t require standing in the rain.
Making Business Continuity Practice Practical
Just like fire safety protocols, business continuity exercises can be scaled to suit your organisation’s needs and maturity level. Starting small and building up to more complex scenarios helps teams develop confidence and capability without overwhelming them.
Types of Exercises
There are three main approaches to testing your business continuity plan, each serving a different purpose:
- Desktop walkthroughs: Perfect for initial testing and team familiarisation. These involve reviewing plans in a meeting room environment, making them ideal for identifying gaps and training new team members.
- Tabletop exercises: Scenario-based discussions to test procedures. Teams work through realistic scenarios, making decisions and testing communication channels in a controlled setting.
- Full-scale simulations: Comprehensive testing of your response capabilities. These exercises mirror real incidents, with teams performing their actual roles and using designated systems and facilities.
Why Regular Practice Matters
A business continuity plan is only as good as its last test, regular exercising of that plan will help to:
- Identify weaknesses before they become problems
- Ensure staff know their roles and responsibilities
- Build confidence in crisis response procedures
Taking the First Step
While fire safety has become second nature through regular practice, the same approach can revolutionise your business continuity planning. The key difference? You won’t need a hi-vis jacket or clipboard, but you will need a well-thought-out plan and commitment to regular testing.
Remember: The best time to test your business continuity plan is before you need it. Don’t let your organisation’s safety be a game of chance – prepare, practice, and protect.
Ready to protect your business beyond basic fire safety?
Contact us to learn how we can help develop and test your business continuity plan. We are here to guide you through the process of creating a resilient business strategy.
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