What happens when the worst happens?
From flood-damaged offices to accidental data deletion, every business has “that moment” when something goes wrong. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right business continuity plan in place, you can bounce back. Often without anyone outside your team even realising there was an issue.
In this post, we’ll share real-life business continuity plan examples and show how cloud computing and managed services play a starring role in keeping businesses running smoothly when the unexpected hits.
First, what is a business continuity plan?
A business continuity plan (BCP) is your business’s backup parachute. It outlines how your company will keep operating during and after a disruption, whether it’s a cyber attack, a power outage, or Karen spilling coffee all over the office server.
- Where your data is stored and backed up
- Who does what during a crisis
- How quickly you need to be back online
- What tools and services you rely on
And yes, having one is just as important for small businesses as it is for the big players.
Why business continuity matters more than ever
These days, most businesses rely on digital tools to function. That means if something breaks or data gets lost, operations grind to a halt.
Downtime isn’t just frustrating, it’s expensive. According to Datto, the average cost of downtime for small businesses is over £6,000 per hour. Ouch.
That’s why more and more businesses are using cloud computing and managed services to strengthen their continuity planning.
Real-world business continuity plan examples
Example 1: Remote access when the office is out of action
Scenario:
A leak floods your office overnight. Computers? Soaked. Servers? Kaput. Your Monday? Ruined?
With a business continuity plan:
Your team logs in from home using Microsoft 365. All your files are backed up in OneDrive. You use Teams for meetings. Because your IT is cloud-based and managed remotely, your business keeps ticking.
Key takeaway:
Cloud computing enables location-independent working. No office? No problem.
Example 2: Cyber attack contained and recovered
Scenario:
A team member clicks a dodgy link in a phishing email. Malware spreads, encrypting files across your network.
With a business continuity plan:
Your managed IT provider detects the intrusion early through 24/7 monitoring. They isolate the affected devices and restore clean backups from the cloud. No ransom paid. No data lost.
Key takeaway:
Managed services add a protective layer that helps businesses detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats quickly.
Example 3: Accidentally deleted files recovered in minutes
Scenario:
You delete a key client folder from SharePoint by mistake, and only realise after clearing the recycle bin.
With a business continuity plan:
Your IT provider retrieves the folder from your backup system within minutes. No sweat. No awkward client call needed.
Key takeaway:
Reliable backups, and people who know how to use them, are essential parts of your disaster recovery plan.
What tools support a strong continuity plan?
- Cloud computing: It lets you work from anywhere, keeps your files safe, and helps you avoid relying on physical infrastructure that can fail.
- Managed services: You get proactive support, cyber security monitoring, system maintenance, and expert help during emergencies.
- Regular backups: Automated, off-site backups protect your data and speed up recovery.
- Written recovery processes: Who does what if the worst happens? Document it. Test it. Update it. That’s what makes a plan effective.
Do you need a business continuity plan?
Short answer: yes. Even if you’re a team of five and things usually run smoothly, disruptions happen.
Whether it’s hardware failure, human error, or a wider issue like a power cut or storm, having a plan makes the difference between a small hiccup and a major meltdown.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help. We work with businesses to build affordable, realistic plans that include everything from cloud solutions and managed services to backup strategies and cyber awareness.
Let’s make your business unshakable
If you’re ready to stop relying on crossed fingers and start building a real continuity plan, we’ve got your back.
We’ll help you explore practical options tailored to your business and show you what a strong continuity setup looks like using real-world tools, not theory.
No jargon. No pressure. Just helpful advice.
FAQs
What should be included in a business continuity plan?
A good business continuity plan covers how your business will operate during and after a disruption. It should include contact details, key systems and tools, backup arrangements, recovery procedures, and communication plans.
How do cloud computing and managed services support continuity?
Cloud systems let you access your data and apps from anywhere. Managed services provide the monitoring, security, and support to keep things running and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Can you give business continuity plan examples for small businesses?
Absolutely. Many of our clients rely on Microsoft 365, cloud backups, and a managed IT team to stay operational during outages or security issues. Examples include recovering from ransomware attacks or working remotely during office closures.
What’s the difference between business continuity and disaster recovery?
Business continuity is about keeping the business running during a disruption. Disaster recovery focuses on how you restore systems and data afterward. Both are important, and they usually work together.
Do I need a formal plan, or can I just rely on my IT provider?
Your IT provider should be part of your plan, but not the whole plan. You’ll still need internal processes, contact lists, and clarity on roles and responsibilities during a crisis.
Let’s make your IT the least stressful part of your business
If you’re ready for tech that works with you, not against you, let’s chat. We’ll show you how cloud computing and managed services can save you time, tighten your security, and take the hassle out of IT.
No pressure. No jargon. Just a helpful conversation.
