Businesses are being warned they must be prepared for extreme weather conditions as the twentieth anniversary of the Great Storm of 1987 is marked.
Thousands of homes and businesses were affected by the storm 20 years ago, with the total clean up bill topping £1bn, according to insurance company More Th>n Business.
The company is now urging small businesses to take adequate steps to protect themselves as best as they can against extreme weather in the wake of this summer’s floods and tornado.
Businesses are being advised to draw up a business continuity plan mapping out the steps needed to get up and running after a crisis.
Firms have also been advised to keep all essential data backed, keep a record of alternative suppliers that could be used, and whether or not key members of staff are able to work remotely.
Mike Bowman, head of insurance at More Th>n Business, said: “Extreme weather can cause devastation and small businesses often stop trading as a result, which can have serious consequences on their businesses overall.
“It is important that we do not forget the lessons of 1987, whilst also learning from more recent weather events.”
Bowman said firms should be ‘as prepared as possible’ to reduce the impact of loss on premises and business.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
