The past decade has witnessed severe flooding in parts of the UK, devastating hurricanes in the US, the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington DC, the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London and countless other disasters such as the Buncefield oil depot explosion. The ways in which business processes can be interrupted seem to multiply every year. Recent disasters, both domestic and international, are timely reminders of the significant risks faced by any business in the event that they are involved, directly or indirectly, in a natural or man-made disaster.
The 7/7 terrorist attacks prompted many businesses, particularly those based in London and other major cities, to review their business continuity plans. Most businesses have been reviewing those plans afresh in the light of the furore about avian flu, which the Government regards as the highest risk currently faced by the UK. The potential for significant disruption to business is obvious, with some observers suggesting that 25% or more of the world’s population could become infected in the event of a pandemic. This would impose severe strains on staffing levels that are likely to be exacerbated by disruption to travel, school closures and illness of other family members.
