Businesses across the Highlands face a range of potential disruptions, from cyber-attacks and fires to flooding, severe weather, public disorder, or widespread illness. Thinking ahead can help reduce downtime and protect both staff and operations.

 

There are several practical steps you can take to strengthen your resilience:

 

• Develop a Business Continuity Plan
  Putting a plan in place will help minimise disruption and allow your business to continue operating during an incident. Focus on the risks most likely to affect your business rather than trying to plan for every possible scenario.
• Be aware of cyber crime
  Stay alert to online threats. If your business is affected by fraud or cyber crime, report it to Police Scotland for advice and support.
• Understand your flood risk
  Check whether your premises are at risk of flooding and sign up for alerts through Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), which provides flood warnings and information across Scotland.
• Back up your data
  Store copies of important business data securely and, where possible, in separate locations. This helps protect against loss due to cyber incidents, fire, or theft.
• Review your insurance cover
  Make sure your business has appropriate and up-to-date insurance in place to cover potential risks and losses.
• Keep risk on the agenda
  Regularly discuss risks with staff and colleagues so everyone understands what to do in an emergency and how to respond effectively.