MEDIA CENTRE

UK businesses are fighting extreme weather conditions with continuity plans

The majority of serviced offices in the country have broadband or Wi-Fi services, and many include these services within the agreed fee of renting space in the business centre.

As a result, business professionals and employees who make it into the office are able to stay in touch with their colleagues, who can keep working by logging into the company network from home, or from a more accessible location.

For workers that can't get into the office, home broadband connections mean that many workers can "perform precisely the same tasks" at home as they would at work, claims Dave Paulding of VoIP provider Interactive Intelligence. And thanks to other web-based communication technology, home workers can interact with their colleagues regularly and at very little cost.

Technology such as Skype allows free calls and meetings to be carried out by video across the internet, which only requires the initial purchase of web-cams and microphones. Other web-based initiatives such as Instant Messenger allows regular, free communication, while cloud-based computing services such as Google Docs are another alternative for businesses that require low-cost remote working solutions.

The increased availability of high-speed internet through new technology such as fibre optic cables has helped to push the cost of broadband down, and the service is now more readily available throughout the UK, helping to keep companies connected even amid adverse weather conditions.

Business continuity plans

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimates that the cost of disruptions to the UK economy as a result of heavy snow and ice is around £600m, while about 10% of the UK's 30 million workforce have been unable to get to work. Therefore businesses that have a reliable continuity plan to fall back on are now counting the benefits.

With the added pressure of the recession, many smaller businesses are struggling to implement continuity plans. But according to Tim Thaxter of the enterprise communications division at Siemens, disruption to business is avoidable with careful planning to enable staff to work from home.

"Software such as unified communications is enabling large and small businesses to move beyond telephone and e-mail, to conduct business by regular web conferencing and collaborative working on shared documents," he said.

Andrew McGrath, commercial director at ntl:Telewest Business, adds: "With a home broadband connection and remote working facilities, a business can easily continue its operations and avoid any lost revenue - which is crucial in any economic climate."

But for those in remote locations who are currently unable to receive a reliable broadband connection, a lifeline is being offered by the Government. This week a consultation took place to outline plans for the Next Generation Fund, which is expected to provide up to £1bn to allow 90% of the UK to gain access to high-speed broadband internet access by 2017.

Announcing the plans, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:

"This investment is about bringing the future of broadband to areas of the country that would otherwise miss out. We cannot underestimate the opportunities this will bring for homes and businesses which is why we are taking action to make sure everyone benefits."

He added, "By upgrading our networks we will put the UK at the fore of rapidly developing technologies which will bring jobs, boost business potential and grow our digital economy."

If you're looking for a UK office to rent with broadband or Wi-Fi internet access, speak to one of our expert consultants for full details and to enquire about pricing and availability.

For free help and advice on dealing with the effect of bad weather on your business, visit Business Link's guide here: www.businesslink.gov.uk/crisismanagement.