Bombings trigger high state of alert

Aug 3 2005 Liverpool Daily Post

Penny Fray looks at how Merseyside businesses are protecting themselves against the new agents of evil

The world in 2005 is a dangerous and uncertain place. Businesses as much as individuals are vulnerable to the twin threats of urban terrorism and high tech fraud. But experts claim that most companies remain hopelessly unprepared for the consequences of a major attack, estimating that as many as nine out of ten SMEs could go out of business within two years of suffering a catastrophe.

A recent Liverpool Chamber of Commerce report claims that most small to medium sized enterprises have neither a written security policy nor a contingency plan to deal with disasters such as fire, severe flooding or a terrorist bombing. Moreover, 80% of those analysed don't even have adequate procedures to deal with IT and utility failures that would otherwise enable them to function effectively during an emergency.

David Chandler of G Security and Surveillance in Prenton, Wirral, isn't surprised but claims the wheels of change are now in motion. "No-one starts the day believing that the physical presence of a business will be gone later that morning, especially here in Merseyside," says the former police detective turned security expert. "But if the terrorist attacks of September 11 have not already altered the way that businesses view security and disaster planning, the terrible events in London will. "Already, we've had a flurry of calls from both private and public sector agencies worried about safety.

Certain schemes involving public buildings have been brought forward and additional security budgets have been made available." One company that has gone to great lengths to ensure that their security system is bang up to date is Living Ventures, the name behind popular celebrity hang-outs such as The Living Room and Est, Est, Est. "People these days need to feel safe," says Richard Tarran, an IT and systems executive for the company. "That's why we've gone to great lengths to ensure that we're one step ahead of the game through installing equipment and making sure that everything is the best it can be." Although several other large companies in the region confirm a similarly heightened emphasis on security, they've all declined to comment for fear of reprisals.

However, the Daily Post discovered that one large retail outlet has just installed a hi-tech visual verification system, recording vehicle number plates - even those moving at up to 100mph in the dark. Iris scanning, hi-tech firewalls and shatter-proof windows have become popular options for those eager to stay abreast of 21st century crime. "Like most companies who provide extra protection against crime, we've seen a sudden rise in the sale of laminated windows," confirms Kay Ruddy, managing director of Bebington Glass.

Continuity Forum Comment

It is great to see that organisations are investing in better security, but that really is more a comment on what hasn't been done in the past, rather than being a positive step forward in resilience and Business Continuity Planning. Integrating the BIA and Risk Assessment phases of Business Continuity Management presents the organisation with far greater overall Resilience against a wider range of events, while enabling greater value to be achieved.

END