Many organisations do not exhibit an awareness of how they may suffer in the event of sometimes predictable happenings, such as severe weather or fire in the locality.

Others fail to recognise that 'unpredictable' events can be planned for.

ConsultSQL helped a major composite insurance business to underwrite Year2000 preparations with a comprehensive, group-wide business continuity programme. This planned for the continuation of key business functions in the event of the Year2000 preparations failing - either wthin the organisation or outside of its control.

Working with the corporate risk and internal audit functions, an approach was established which led to a wider appreciation of operational inter-dependencies and core processes. This in turn caused the revision or re-development of business impact and threat analyses, requirements definition and plans.

The UK's Civil Contingencies Act requires all emergency services and local authorities to actively prepare and plan for emergencies. Local authorities also have an obligation to promote business continuity within their footprint.

ConsultSQL consultants are able to act as 'critical friends' or more formal reviewers to help with preparation of plans or evaluation of appropriateness in specific circumstances.