More than half (60%) of UK companies are considering
certification on the newBritish Standard for business
continuity, according to a survey byBusiness
Continuity Expo 2008.
According to the business services organisation, BSI, drivers
for the business continuity standard include security legislation,
rising insurance premiums, investor focus on risk, and increased
outsourcing.
"Companies are now taking business continuity seriously and
investing in a framework to ensure they have structures in place so
that if a crisis hits they are prepared for it," said Paul Lanham,
global marketing manager for BSI Management Systems.
He said the BS 25999 standard had attracted organisations that
have not traditionally embraced independent verification
standards.
Lanham said although some organisations regarded the standard as
an extension of their risk management initiatives or were using it
as a management and assurance tool in their supply chain, many saw
BS 25999 certification as a way of gaining competitive
advantage.
"So far we have certified logistics company TDG and information
and business continuity consultants Sungard since the standard's
specification was published in November, with many more lining up
to follow suit," said Lanham.