Business Continuity, Security and Small to Medium Enterprises


N


umerically small and medium enterprises (SME) form the vast majority of


businesses in the UK. Many of them provide high levels of expertise and equipment that support the business aims of larger companies and many of the essential services that are important to UK PLC. Some SMEs believe that Business Continuity is for larger companies, but should they suffer a fire, flood or other incident, will they be able to continue to trade and provide their services? Business continuity is essential to all companies; it may be smaller and less detailed for SMEs and the plan will need exercising less frequently, but it is nevertheless essential if SMEs are to survive and continue to trade following an incident.


As a minimum, smaller companies should: Record details of clients, providers, staff and insurance and store them off site. Back-up all computer systems every day and store details off site.


Provide security for their premises and, if necessary, obtain advice on the latest security technology available.


Brewing up a Storm


Mark Riches set up Beeston Brewery after becoming disillusioned with not having enough influence as an employee. He went to Sunderland University to learn the trade from scratch. Although a lonely job at times, he loves being in touch with nature and creating something that people enjoy. They only brew real ale (containing live yeast) and currently produce 10 beers in a range of styles. They supply pubs and the off licence trade up to a radius of about 30 miles. “We can set up casks ready to serve at all kinds of events from BBQs to rock concerts.” And their first beer ,"Worth the Wait", has a Star named after it.


The security and crime prevention concerns for the brewery are centred around the risk of theft of beer, casks or equipment from the site. “We are slightly worried about cask theft in the trade, but tighter police action is helping this.” They have a monitored alarm system to cover intruder and fire risks. And they also have the site covered with recorded


CCTV. They are insured against all foreseeable risks and have plans in place for major incidents, although they don’t consider it a formal business continuity plan. In addition, “In the event of major theft or fire, we would likely look to buy some brewing time with another local brewery.”


and finally...Security dog for sale A


man sees a sign outside a house - 'Talking Security Dog For Sale’. He rings the bell,


the owner appears and tells him the dog can be viewed in the back garden.


The man sees a very nice looking Labrador Retriever sitting there."Do you really talk?" he asks the dog. "Yes," the Labrador replies.


After recovering from the shock of hearing the dog talk, the man asks, "So, tell me your story."


The Labrador looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I


was sold to the SAS. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one imagined that a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years.


"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at Heathrow Airport to do some undercover security work, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded several medals.


"Then I got married, had a few puppies, and now I've just retired."


The man is amazed. He goes back into the house and asks the owner how much he wants for the dog. "Ten quid," the owner says. "£10!!? But this dog is absolutely amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"


"Because he's a lying little **@!!!, he's never been out of the garden."


Anon.


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EDITOR : Eugene O’Mahony Email: Editor@citysecuritymagazine.com


EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Don Randall MBE and Paul Eskriett MBE of the City of London Crime Prevention Association. Lorraine Cussen, Ian Mansfield, and Steven Jackson of the City of London Police.


ADVERTISING & DESIGN : David Berkoff Tel: 020 8275 3303 Email: advertising@citysecuritymagazine.com


ARTICLES & ENQUIRIES : Andrea Berkoff Tel: 020 8275 3303 Email: editorial@citysecuritymagazine.com


36


The magazine that promotes security issues nationwide


c i tysecur i tymagazine. com SECURITY CITY ® Summer issue out July 2013


© City Securitymagazine is published quarterly in partnership with the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the City of London Police. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, copy or photography may be reproduced in any form, electronic or in print without prior written permission of the editorial committee.


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