The Importance Of Business Continuity Planning
The UK faces a complex landscape of security threats, from low-sophistication terrorism to rising knife crime, youth & gang violence, a rising increase with regards to violence against women and girls (VAWG), cyber attacks plus an ever changing landscape that continually evolves the threats we face as businesses on a day to day basis.
With the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 and a SEVERE national threat level, public protection is no longer optional but a necessity and from early 2027 this newly enacted legislation will become fully enforceable by the SIA.
Beyond physical violence, organisations must also navigate risks like cyber-attacks, civil unrest, and utility disruptions to name but a few and therefore business should ask themselves are you truly ready for a major incident should one occur?
I encourage all business that I partner with to evaluate their current state of readiness and to ask yourself:
• Are your emergency and continuity plans documented and regularly tested?
• Can your staff confidently lockdown, evacuate, or invacuate should the need arise?
• Have you integrated specialised training like ACT Awareness and SCAN?
• Do you have robust communication systems and advanced first aid capabilities?
• Are you registered with Protect UK to receive vital security updates?
Having well rehearsed and fully embedded plans can ultimately save lives and reduce the risk of major disruption and/or property damage. If you cannot answer these questions confidently, I can support you in enhancing your resilience strategies today.
How I Can Help With Business Continuity
I have collaborated with Counter Terrorism Police and Local Authorities on the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 as well as managing Major Incident Business Continuity in a number of large multi-site organisations. Furthermore, I have also attended national and local exercises which has given me a deeper insight into how major incidents unfold and what organisations need to consider when writing and implementing their individual plans and control measures.
I possess the skills and knowledge in supporting you in reviewing your Major Incident Business Continuity Plans and identifying critical improvements, I have received a commendation from Counter Terrorism Police North East for the support I have given during the early stages and enactment of the Terrorism Protection Of Premises Act in April 2025.
I have also received recognition from Figen Murray who campaigned tiredless for the enactment of this important piece of legislation following the death of her son Martyn who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. I am proud to be part of Martyn's story and legacy in ensuring that businesses are more prepared and can react accordingly in the event of a major incident and I am keen to make my services accessible and available to all.
It is important to note that I do not offer a Martyn's Law consultancy service but rather a service that can test and review your plans and help you to identify key areas of improvement.
I deliver bespoke tabletop exercises which have received positive feedback from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, with each exercise tailored to meet your own indivudal specific business risks and needs.
These sessions provide a supportive environment to test your procedures and capture vital lessons for future resilience and aim to produce key actions that will support you in strengthening the plans your currently have in place.
I am also enabled to provide training and support to your current first aiders and can upskill them in being able to manage Catastrophic Bleeding and Critical Injuries should a major incident arise where such treatment becomes necessary thus giving them the skills and confidence needed.
Additionally, for those interested in taking their First Aid provision even further I authored a guide towards introducing an internal First Responder Model which gained support by both the Royal College of Surgeons and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives in 2025, a copy of which can be found here:
Guide to Clinical Governance - An Internal First Responder Model
Using this framework it aims to simplify and guide those wishing to embed an advanced first aid provision within their organisation by introducing First Response Emergency Care as well as establishing the necessary clinical governance and defined scope of practice, thus ensuring patient safety and reducing organisational liability when implemented effectively.
For organisations interested or are currently exploring how to introduce FREC within their organisation I am able to provide advice, guidance and support should you wish to improve your own first aid provision beyond the realms of traditional first aid.
