July 2007: Record rainfall and consequential floods and their aftermath, particularly in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Yorkshire, illustrate the need for businesses to have a Business Continuity Plan. The flooding affected many businesses directly, but the associated loss of power and water supplies had a knock on effect on many more. A Business Continuity Plan gives the well prepared organisation the basic processes to deal with unforeseen events which threaten that organisations future existence.

August 2007: An outbreak of foot and mouth disease was discovered on 2 August at a farm near Guilford in Surrey.  Protection and surveillance zones were established the following day and extended on 7 August when a second outbreak was confirmed nearby. The impact on businesses has been significant countrywide. The ban on movement of livestock has affected not only the farming industry but related businesses – livestock markets, abattoirs, butchers etc.  All would benefit from having a basic recovery plan in place in advance.