Yet again Victorian business in rural regions are bracing to recover from flood damage.

Its the third time in two years that they have experienced a dispruption such as this. Recently I have been travelling through regional Victoria and spoken to business owners who are still trying to recover over a year later and they express concerns that they cannot see how they will ever fully get back to where they were before. The research shows that over 80% of business never fully recover.

I have also seen first hand that 95% of private business owners do not have what is known as a BCP plan. ( Business Recovery Plan ). And, unfortunately, many still have their head in the sand on this issue which is surprising to me given the floods and bush fires we have had in recent times.

I would recommend that you visit the SES web site and download their documentation on the emergency tool kit and they also have a a book titled Business Floodsafe Toolkit and Plan. If you cannot find it on the web site call them 1300 842 737 and ask for a copy. The kit applies to storms and other disasters.

If a diaster hits your business do you have a check list prepared that covers:

Your family, communications, staff, IT systems, customers, suppliers, cash flow, debtors, creditors, automatic debits from your bank account etc. Do you have a check list that details all your documentation and policy numbers on contracts etc ? If you are seriously injured or actually die, where is your will and who has power of attorney on matter with your personal health and/or the continuation of your business.

It's time to address this issue. You have an obligation to your family, staff and yourself. Also, if you are a legal director of your company , you are not meeting your legal obligations to properly manage your business under the Corporations Act.

This photo was taken after last year's flood in Ipswich. If this was your business would you survive and be able to recover ?

The building belongs to the Peter McMahon Swim Factory, a successful swim centre for kids and learners. Back in 1974 Peter's father also operated a successful soft drink company from the same site and it was completed flooded in those at that time as well. It took a long time to recover from that closure in the middle of their peak sales season.

So, this time around Peter knew to prepare and removed all his motors, papers. computers etc out when he saw the signs that a flood was heading his way.

Pre-planning enabled him to recover quickly and be back in business within ten days. The reseach says that 80% never fully recovery from such a disaster.

 Where is your your recovery plan ? Contact us if you want some help in developing a business continuity plan.

On Jan 24th we start a series of workshops to assist business owners on how to start  planning in advance in case they are hit by a natural disaster such as a flood, fire or storm.

We know that 80% of business never fully recover from a natural disaster and planning can greatly help in reducing the impact.

Funded by the Federal Government through Enterprise Connect there are eight workshops being held in Ballarat, Horsham, Mildura, Kerang, Colac, Dunkeld, Warrnambool and Bendigo.

Contact us at billwinter@bigond.com.au for further information