Business continuity and supply chain management

* Despite the benefits of BCM, the surveys showed that the majority of organisations do not have a BCP in place and awareness of them is low. This is of considerable concern, as today's organisations are increasingly operating in a global environment which makes them more vulnerable to a wide spectrum of political, economic, environmental and social disruptions.

* The survey findings reveal supply chain management to be a more mature management discipline. However, with customers demanding better BCM there are clear opportunities for suppliers to establish effective BCM, and to use this to their competitive advantage.

Recommendations

* The Chartered Management Institute and The Business Continuity Institute recommend that all organisations should implement a BCP and practise good BCM. For further information about how to devise and implement a BCP, have a look at the Business Continuity Institute website (www.thebci.org).

* It is recommended that those organisations that currently have BCPs, consider further ways of enhancing their effectiveness through regular rehearsals, internal and external communication, and evaluation.

* While noting that the trend is going in the right direction, it is recommended that organisations further extend the scope of the scenarios covered by their BCPs.

* The Chartered Management Institute and The Business Continuity Institute welcome the moves within Company Law Reform to include company reporting on risk management.

* It is recommended that BCM is used throughout supply networks in the UK

For further information concerning the report contact: The Chartered Management Institute

2 Savoy Court Strand London WC2R OEX Telephone: 020 7421 2704 Fax: 020 7497 0463

email: public.affairs@managers.org.uk