Business Continuity in the News

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Biosecurity risks in the news

Defra's swift and comprehensive response following the recent Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey saw many businesses Business Continuity Plans fly into full action.

Despite the limited size and geographical coverage of the outbreak, it was in fact aspects of Defra's contingency plan that saw the shock-waves felt the length and breadth of mainland Britain
 
Livestock movement bans and the meat export ban have threatened the survival of dozens of SME's. Many of these have already announced plans to lay-off staff.

Whilst some business chose to diversify after the 2001 outbreak to avoid a repeat of past losses, this wasn't a realistic option for other business.

HM Revenue and Customs are offering tax help to many business caught up in the fallout of this outbreak. This will come in the form of deferred collection, suspension of debt collection proceedings and, in some cases, release from interest and surcharges. HMRC have set up a Helpline which is open seven days a week on 0845 366 1207.

The previous outbreak of foot and Mouth in Great Britain cost the UK economy an estimated £38.5 billion.

Source: Criticall.co.uk