business continuity planning
Marcus Wolfgram • July 27, 2022
Keeping your business operational is a full-time job. It’s a balancing act that requires you to keep a multitude of plates spinning, while your executive team and employees support you at every stage of the operational journey. But what happens if these plates stop spinning?
Sudden unexpected threats can catch you on the hop. What if an unexpected circumstance comes up that derails your usual operational procedures? How will you cope? What will you do to overcome the issue? And how will you get the business back on target? The answer lies in having a thorough business continuity plan.
What’s a business continuity plan?
A business continuity plan is an executive plan that describes the risks that exist in the business, your strategy for dealing with these known and unknown risks, and how you will mobilise your team to overcome any issues, emergencies or gaps in trading etc. None of us truly knows what lies around the corner. Most businesses were not expecting the 2008 economic crash, or the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. If you can plan ahead and put contingency plans in place, you'll be better prepared when a worst-case scenario does appear.
How do you formulate your plan?
Every organisation’s business continuity plan will be different. We all have different business models, different company hierarchies and different risks that are peculiar to our own sectors. But the fundamental basis on which you create your business continuity plan will be the same however your company works.
For example:
- Identify the critical areas of your business – look at your operational business model and think about where it’s most likely to break down under pressure. Are you reliant on a specific supplier to operate? Which are the fundamental departments in your model and what do they bring to the business? Who are your core heads of department and staff, and who could deputise for them in their absence? In short, look for anything that could break down and how this could affect the whole business.
- Create back-up continuity plans for each critical area – you obviously need your main continuity plan to cover the entire business. But it’s also important to look at the risks, essential personnel and key operational activities for each separate department in the company. Your finance team will need a very different continuity plan to your logistics and delivery team, for example. So, tailor each continuity plan to fit the needs of your main business areas, and make sure they’re all fit for purpose.
- Assign a continuity lead and department leads – it’s a good idea to assign a main business continuity lead role or champion, so the responsibility for reviewing and updating the plan sits under someone’s remit. You’ll also need to have a lead person for each critical department, so every cog in the wider machine is represented.
- Make sure everyone knows the continuity plan – a business continuity plan is useless unless the whole company is aware of the plan and knows what to do. Have a central phone number, WhatsApp group and email address set up for any business continuity emergency. And use your internal communications team to provide regular messaging, training and updates on changes to the ongoing continuity plan.
- Keep the business operating – ultimately, your continuity plan exists to keep the company operating in challenging times. It could be that your HQ is flooded out and has to be closed down and moved to an alternative location. It may be that significant employee sickness hits you, leaving only a skeleton staff to run each department. Whatever the circumstances, your plan needs a contingency in place, so you and your remaining staff can continue to trade, make sales and bring in revenues.
Share
n today's rapidly evolving business landscape, technological disruption and digital transformation have become more than just buzzwords—they represent fundamental shifts in how organizations operate, compete, and deliver value. As we navigate through 2025, these forces continue to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace. Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing operations and value delivery. Meanwhile, technological disruption describes how emerging technologies can render existing business models obsolete, creating new markets and value networks. The intersection of these two phenomena is where the most significant changes occur. Companies that embrace digital transformation proactively can become disruptors themselves, while those that resist change risk becoming obsolete. Key areas where we're seeing profound impacts include: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning : From predictive analytics to autonomous systems, AI is revolutionizing decision-making processes and automation capabilities. Cloud Computing and Edge Technologies : The shift from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based solutions has democratized access to computing resources. Internet of Things (IoT) : Connected devices are generating unprecedented amounts of data, enabling new business models and operational efficiencies. Blockchain and Decentralized Systems : These technologies are reimagining trust mechanisms in transactions and record-keeping. For organizations looking to thrive in this environment, digital transformation isn't optional—it's imperative. The most successful companies approach transformation holistically, considering not just technology implementation but also organizational culture, talent development, and business model innovation. As we look toward the future, the pace of technological disruption shows no signs of slowing. The organizations that will succeed will be those that can adapt quickly, innovate continuously, and harness emerging technologies to create new value for their customers.
Navigating Global Tax Complexities: Key Considerations for Businesses As businesses expand beyond borders, managing tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions becomes increasingly complex. Global taxation is a critical area that affects profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency. Understanding the key considerations for global taxation can help businesses minimize risks and optimize their tax strategies. 1. Understanding International Tax Frameworks Different countries have distinct tax laws that impact cross-border transactions. Businesses need to familiarize themselves with key international tax frameworks such as the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, transfer pricing regulations, and double taxation agreements (DTAs) that mitigate tax liabilities across multiple countries. 2. Corporate Tax Rates and Structures Each country imposes its own corporate tax rate, ranging from low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland (12.5%) to higher-tax countries such as France (26.5%). Multinational companies must evaluate the impact of these rates on profitability and consider tax-efficient structuring to optimize their liabilities. 3. Transfer Pricing Compliance Transfer pricing rules ensure that transactions between related entities are conducted at arm’s length prices. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties. Companies operating in multiple jurisdictions must maintain proper documentation to justify pricing methodologies and avoid disputes with tax authorities. 4. Permanent Establishment (PE) Risks Establishing a presence in a foreign country may trigger a Permanent Establishment (PE), subjecting a business to local tax obligations. It is crucial to assess whether business activities in a jurisdiction create a taxable presence and structure operations accordingly to manage tax exposure. 5. Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Goods & Services Tax (GST) Many countries impose indirect taxes such as VAT or GST on goods and services. Businesses must navigate varying VAT/GST registration thresholds, reporting obligations, and input tax credit mechanisms to ensure compliance and avoid financial penalties.
Mastering Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Your Business Cash flow isn’t just an accounting term—it's the heartbeat of your business. Whether you're a startup or a growing enterprise, managing cash flow effectively can make or break your success. Here are a few key strategies to ensure healthy cash flow: Understand Your Cash Flow Cycle: Know when money comes in and goes out. Having a clear picture of your inflows and outflows helps you predict potential gaps and avoid surprises. Prioritize Your Receivables: Timely collections are crucial. Set clear terms and follow up with customers promptly. A solid receivables process can significantly improve cash flow. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Regularly review your spending. Are there areas you can streamline or eliminate? Every dollar saved adds to your cash reserves. Build a Cash Cushion: It's always wise to keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Having this cushion can help you ride out lean months. Monitor, Adjust, and Plan Ahead: Cash flow isn’t static. Keep a close eye on it, adjust your strategies when needed, and plan ahead for both growth and downturns. A steady, positive cash flow allows you to reinvest in your business, pay bills on time, and scale with confidence.