As the 2012 Olympics draw closer firms based in the UK have been warned that failing to review and prepare business continuity plans in the face of the games could leave them exposed and inadequately able to deal with potential problems.
Steelhenge Consulting has said that many organisations around the UK have failed to take into account the various impacts upon business which may be felt as a result of the competition.
Steelhenge’s Isobel Nicholas said that the need for Olympic business continuity programmes does not just apply to those based in and around London. She said that the effects of the game could ripple across the country, disrupting supply chains and causing headaches for all ill-prepared UK firms.
Ms Nicholas pointed out that many businesses would need to take into account the fact that members of staff would be looking to take time off in large numbers to go and enjoy the games and those who cannot secure holiday may simply feign illness, which will have an impact on productivity.
Ms Nicholas suggested that businesses who might be hindered by clogged traffic links due to nearby events might consider allowing their staff to work remotely. This kind of continuity plan will be a useful tool, but will require significant prior planning in order to ensure that it is executed properly, according to Steelhenge.
To help lessen the impact of the 2012 London Olympics it is best to take stock and build a continuity plan that takes into account potential disruption now rather than waiting until there are fewer resources and less time, according to Ms Nicholas.
Businesses that prepare themselves for the hazards of the Olympics will leave behind a continuity strategy that can be applied to a number of situations in the future, which means that it is an investment that will continue to have benefits long after the games has concluded. Being robust and flexible when the situation warrants is key to business continuity planning and unlike the 2012 Olympics, most disruptions are not scheduled ahead of time.
