SMEs
Full-scale BCM solutions for SMEs
continuity
simply do not seem viable until a critical
shop
organisational mass has been reached
Continuity Shop:
Is on the Register of Education
and Training Providers of The
Department of Innovation,
Universities and Skills
Is working with a British University
to develop a BCM module to
give credits to an M.A.
Is a Founding Partner of the
BCI Partnership
Manages five times more
potential sources of BCM knowledge, and could be employed for
BCI-Endorsed courses than any
the purpose, though perhaps not always in an obvious fashion.
other provider
If an SME is lucky enough to supply an accredited, or simply
BCM-aware enterprise, some of their supply chain resilience may
be passed on or trickle down. What if the more BC-advanced Has opened an office in Shanghai
partner was supported to deliver the BCM message through their
supply chain and in a real business environment, rather than
subject an SME to a separate and isolated awareness campaign?
Puts on more than 200 days of
The relationship is already in place, as is mutual trust and buy-in,
training, every year, to customers
so this form of BCM education might fair better than fl yers or a
publicity onslaught.
from 37 countries
Although attempts have been made, and have not proven
successful, to provide deals, insurance savings etc. to SMEs with
sound BCPs, it would be interesting to know the outcome if both But what pleases us,
the scope and depth of such endeavours was to be expanded. Let
us look in more detail at three major forces for SME engagement,
is to please you
and what could be done to further facilitate it.
So tell us your needs,
Business Continuity Institute
The role of the BCI cannot be overstated. In addition to the top- we can deliver
level work of liaising with the government and other BCM and risk
management institutions, more could be done to promote the SME
cause within the Institute itself. www.continuityshop.com
The BCI could also question why BS25999 is excluded from
British Standards Institute’s “Small Business” packs of discounted 0161 743 3555
bundles of standards aimed at the SME market. Opportunities for
engagement should also be fully explored and those volunteering info@continuityshop.com
their time in the SME cause could perhaps be taken up on it to help
move things along.
Lastly, while the BCI is to be commended for its mentorship
scheme, it could do with a review. The depth and quality of
individual mentoring relationships vary signifi cantly and it is
e reassuring to know that the Institute is currently looking into it.
It would also be helpful to consider if there is a way the scheme
could be expanded, or a separate one launched, to specifi cally
engage BCM practitioners working with SMEs. There are many
benefi ts in encouraging exchanges between the corporate
and small business worlds, though time, cost, security and
©iStockphoto.com/lorrainedark confi dentiality would all need to be resolved.
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