Insurers and brokers should advise their clients to take out business continuity plans, said Crisis Survivor

Insurance brokers should give business continuity planning advice to their clients ahead of the expected upswing in winter swine flu cases, claimed Crisis Survivor.

The business continuity specialist warned that 80% of businesses that lose access to business resources because of disaster will go bust within 18 months.

Forty-three percent of businesses experiencing a disaster never recover, added Crisis Survivor, but all businesses have a better chance of recovering quickly if they have robust plans in place.

Tony Gimple, managing director of Crisis Survivor, commented: “In a worst case scenario widespread disease, such as Swine Flu, could cost the UK economy billions of pounds. People should not panic unnecessarily, but it is essential to make sensible arrangements to protect their businesses. It is good business practice for insurers and brokers to advise their clients to take out a Business Continuity plan. At the same time it is an opportunity for the broker to boost their business.”