ITS ALL IN THE PLANNING - PREPARING FOR THE UNTHINKABLE

* Make it clear who needs to do what, and who takes responsibility for what.

* Appoint deputies for key roles.

* Use checklists that people can follow easily.

* Include clear, direct instructions for the crucial first hour after an incident.

* Include a list of things that do not need to be considered until after the first hour.

* Agree how often you will check your plan to ensure it is always a "living document". Update it to reflect changes in personnel and in the risks you may face.

* A good plan will be simple without being simplistic. You can't plan in detail for every event. Remember that people need to be able to react quickly in an emergency; there will be no time to read lots of detail.

* Plan for worst-case scenarios. If your plan covers how to get back in business if a flood destroys your building, it will also work if just one floor is flooded.

FIVE STEPS TO GET ROUND DISRUPTION

Step 1 Analyse your Business

Step 2 Assess the Risks

Step 3 Develop your Strategy

Step 4 Develop your Plan

Step 5 Rehearse your Plan

People to contact who can give you advice:
Archival Record Management plc: info@armplc.com
AXA Insurance:axa4business.co.uk
Norwich Union: nu-riskservices.co.uk
The Federation of Small Businesses: contact local branch
Institute of Directors: 020 7766 8766

Terry Cohen is a director of Archival Record Management plc who looks after the data that other businesses create; in a controlled & safe environment. He can be contacted on 0207 703 3915 or email:tc@londonweb.net