E S S I L O R U K L T D


	Business Continuity What is Business Continuity? Business continuity is based on the principle that is a key responsibility of an organisation to ensure the continuation of operations at all times. It is an established part of preparations for possible threats posed to an organisation, whether from internal system failures or external emergencies such as extreme weather, terrorism or infectious disease. "Business Continuity is a management process that helps manage the risks to the smooth running of an organisation or the delivery of services, ensuring that the business can continue in the event of a disruption". Consider fire, financial fraud, power failure, gas leak, flood, loss of staff, terrorist attack, transport strike, explosion, theft, chemical leak, health issues, natural disasters, industrial action, collapse of suppliers etc.


	Background to Business Continuity Planning The modern business world places increasing expectations on organisations to prepare contingency plans in response to serious disruptions and emergencies. Recent examples of major crises and emergencies have caused massive disruption to businesses include the Buncefield fuel depot fire and the London tube and bus bombings. Despite these serious incidents, a survey carried out in 2006 showed that - • Less than half of UK organisations have a business continuity plan in place. • Inanimate objects such as IT systems are still the key focus for protection, even though a business cannot run without people. • Employees, suppliers and stakeholders often don't know what to do in the event of a disaster. It therefore makes sense for businesses with systems, infrastructures and services which are susceptible to serious interruption by emergencies and disasters to have solid contingency plans ready and communicated that will minimise disruption and enable best possible continuity when and if a major (or minor) crisis occurs. This is coupled with the fundamental need to protect the health and well-being of all employees in any organisation. With these matters in mind, Essilor Ltd has implemented a new Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which will enable us to respond quickly and in a structured manner in the event of serious disruption within the business. Business continuity at Essilor The plan is the responsibility of all employees of Essilor Ltd who are designated a role within the planning arrangements. This could be either in the creation of, or the execution of, the BCP. The Business Continuity Plan will apply to the provision of all services of Essilor Ltd.
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