News
flooDiNg hitS uk
Extreme rainfall causes widespread devastation across parts of England, Scotland and Wales
highest daily rainfall since records began. The danger is that insurers may not take
More than 1,300 properties in the area the increased revenue trend into account
were flooded as a result. when looking at business interruption
Across England and Wales, during the claims and try to apply a flat turnover
worst of the rain, the Environment Agency based on previous months. Businesses
issued 90 flood warnings, including seven should ensure that sales are compared
severe flood warnings. At the time of over a similar period to accurately reflect
writing there are still 79 flood warnings in the losses.
place. Highlighting the difficulties for
Commenting on the impact of the businesses trying to find suitable relocation
floods, John Bell, head of claims for sites due to the widespread devastation
Aon Corporate, said: “The floods and from the floods, Bell said: “Insurers will
severe weather in Cumbria have had an need to be prompt with interim payments
equally devastating impact on homes to assist cash flow if damaged stocks are
and businesses alike. In addition to to be replaced in time for any significant
the extensive flood damage, properties impact on trading.”
inundated with water are unlikely to be The UK’s Federation of Small Businesses
dried out before Christmas so families (FSB) has announced that it has opened
Record rainfall in the UK has resulted in face the prospect of the festive season in a its £500,000 Disaster Recovery Fund for
extensive flooding across NW England, hotel, B&B or a caravan in the garden. its members in Scotland, Lancashire and
SW Scotland and North Wales. One of “From a business perspective,” he Cumbria and the North East of England.
the worst affected areas was Cumbria, added, “these events could be very The FSB is offering interest-free loans of up
where the village of Seathwaite reported damaging as trading may not be possible to £5,000 to help small firms cover costs
372.4mm of rain on 19 November which, during the festive season when many associated with keeping their business
according to the MetOffice, was the businesses enjoy the bulk of their trading. trading and with repair of their premises.
SecuriNg the mobile workforce
Some companies failing to implement teleworking measures for business disruption
While many organisations appreciate
the increased employee productivity and
other benefits offered by laptops, smart
phones and virtual private networks,
they may be unprepared to enable the
majority of their employees to effectively
telework during workforce disruptions,
according to a recent study by Cisco.
The US survey “Securing the Mobile
Workforce”, which was conducted in
October, revealed that over half of the IT
executives surveyed said that less than
half of their employees were currently
set up to work remotely and 21% said
they have no employees enabled to work
remotely. In addition, the report found In most cases, the cost to implement unforeseen events is essential, although
that only 22% of respondents felt that remote access across an entire workforce this survey clearly shows that many
their current remote-access solutions had is a fraction of what the loss of business enterprises still have a ways to go. Yet the
positioned their companies for disaster would be if employees could not work benefit has become apparent. Companies
preparedness and business continuity, remotely during a crisis. that have made secure remote access
while only 15% listed ‘pandemic or other Fred Kost, director of security solutions broadly available have realised improved
disaster preparedness’ as a top business marketing at Cisco, said: “Secure remote efficiency and continuity of operations.”
driver for providing remote access to access and business continuity go The survey, conducted by
employees. hand-in-hand. Technology that enables InsightExpress and commissioned by
The report stated that the results employees beyond the traditional Cisco, interviewed 502 information
indicate the majority of companies workplace to connect securely to the technology decision makers from US
are not considering the importance of corporate network is a win-win for both businesses of all sizes. The survey
remote-access solutions for potential themselves and employers. Keeping questioned IT professionals in the health
business interruptions, focusing more on your network up-to-date with the latest care, retail, finance, government and
business needs under normal conditions. security technology in preparation for education sectors.
  Continuity  November/December 2009
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