WA Grower Magazine Autumn 2021

BY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

They say there is nothing as constant as change.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic took effect across the world, it’s clear that the most predictable factor for businesses this year will be unpredictability.

The February lockdown of the Perth, Peel and South West regions and local bushfires are some examples of the occurrences that can unexpectedly disrupt businesses.

Even the loss of key staff members or the breakdown of important equipment can cause big challenges.

You may wonder how you would continue to operate in the face of these unpredictable events. Developing a business continuity plan can help you plan for the unexpected, minimise disruption and be more in control of what happens when things go wrong.

What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan is a document that outlines the main steps your business will take to continue operating in the face of disruption.

It can be as simple as storing your comprehensive insurance policy, a list of emergency numbers and important documents in a safe place.

In contrast, it can be a very comprehensive document that details alternative production and supply options, all business contacts and a communications strategy — all ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Whatever form your plan takes, it should be stored in a location that it can be retrieved from, even if your main business premises can’t be accessed.

What should it include?

Continuity plans for your business can take different forms, but commonly include sections that:

• Identify the risks that could affect your business and what will trigger activation of the plan

• Detail your business activities

• List emergency numbers

• Include your staff and key stakeholders contacts

• Identify alternative business locations

• Document all your insurance policies and location of important financial and other documents

• Outline how you will communicate the disruption to everyone who needs to know.

A rule of thumb for what to include is ‘will this information help me operate through an event or disruption that might otherwise temporarily or permanently close my business?’.

Have a plan in place

The worst time to develop a business continuity plan is when you need one. Include this type of planning in your regular business activities and don’t

let it go stale. It should be regularly revisited to make sure all the details are still correct and it is ready to use with little notice.

It can be found in the business planning templates section of the business templates and tools page. You can download a guide as well as a fillable business continuity plan template, whichincludes an emergency preparedness checklist.

The emergency preparedness checklist should be completed first to help give you a good idea of how ready your business is for the unexpected. It looks at things you may not have considered, such as whether you have an evacuation plan, emergency kit and critical documents ready should disruption strike. Once you know where you stand, the template can be completed to give you a ready to use continuity plan.

Let people know when you are back on track

Communicating with your customers and suppliers is very important when your business is disrupted. The relief of getting back to normal and the need to catch up may mean that you are tempted to ‘just get on with it’.

After the disruption of the past year, both suppliers and customers are well aware of the importance of supporting local business. Keep them updated when you have recovered, so they can get behind you.

MORE INFORMATION

The Small Business Development Corporation and its Business Local providers in regional WA offer business planning workshops and free guidance and advice to help you run your business. Visit smallbusiness.wa.gov.au for more information.