Disaster Kit For Small Business

Disaster Recovery Kit For Small Businesses

13 January 2010

Global accounting body CPA Australia is assisting small businesses to prepare and deal with the impact of a natural disaster.

CPA Australia's Disaster Recovery Toolkit not only includes tips for businesses looking to develop a disaster recovery plan to lessen the blow of such misfortune, but also guidance for businesses that have been affected by a natural disaster, both directly and indirectly.

"Recent flooding and fires across regional Australia are a reminder of the harsh conditions that can impact individuals and businesses in this country," says CPA Australia's CEO Alex Malley FCPA.

"Small businesses that have been recently affected by a natural disaster would be in the process of making decisions about their future. CPA Australia's Disaster Recovery Toolkit can help businesses to get through the difficult recovery period and start rebuilding.

"Businesses operating in disaster prone areas can also use the kit to develop a disaster recovery plan that is specific to their business needs. Simple tips such as backing up files and keeping those files offsite are ways a business can ensure they are better placed to recover following a disaster," says Mr Malley

Developing a disaster recovery plan should include:

* A checklist of what the business needs to re-open, including processes and resources.
* Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for taking action for recovery.
* Ready access to cash flow forecasts and profit and loss forecasts.
* Tools for re-analysing the market in a post-disaster environment.
* Built-in flexibility that acknowledges a disaster can impact any market in a number of ways this may include being prepared to consider exiting the business.

CPA Australia's Disaster Recovery Toolkit was developed in response to the devastating Victorian bushfires almost a year ago, on 7 February 2009. CPA Australia worked closely with the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and local councils in affected shires to promote the availability of the Disaster Recovery Toolkit as an effective tool for affected businesses.

The toolkit is available as a free download from the CPA Australia website. Business owners affected by a disaster can seek information about government assistance by visiting www.disasterassist.gov.au or relevant state government web sites.

Editor Note: Alex Malley FCPA, CEO CPA Australia is available for interview

Media contact: Rebecca Kington, External Affairs Adviser, 0402 101 643 or [email protected]

SOURCE: CPA Australia