Start with activities, not a shopping list
Choose one job, such as taking bookings or sending invoices. List the person, device, account, connection, application and supplier needed to complete it. Then ask what changes if one part is missing tomorrow.
These are planning examples, not claims that a particular provider will fail. Review the complete route before buying a second product that may depend on the same connection or sign-in.
Common dependencies and proportionate fixes
| Single dependency | Low-cost first action | When to consider more |
|---|---|---|
| One internet line | Test an approved mobile connection and record who can use it | A separately routed second connection where the impact warrants it |
| One person knows the passwords | Give a second authorised person secure recovery access | Managed password sharing from £3.34 per user monthly |
| One cloud provider | Record offline contacts and independent backup access | A tested alternative email and calling route |
| Accounts only on one laptop | Check what is actually backed up | Device backup from £10 per device monthly |
| Domain registered to a former employee | Check ownership and renewals; use business-controlled details | A planned handover with access and billing evidence |
Map a whole chain
Work backwards from a customer-facing activity. Ask whether the proposed fallback uses the same building, internet line, administrator, sign-in or supplier. Make a named person responsible for each gap and agree the next review date.
Use the continuity checklist while documenting dependencies. Keep the map with your plan, separate from the passwords it refers to.
Test the people as well
Ask the deputy to follow the instructions without the usual administrator supplying answers. Keep sensitive credentials in an approved password manager, not in the dependency map. Confirm the person's authority before granting access.
What we can do for you
We help you agree priorities, document workarounds and check the recovery arrangements. Continuity planning is quoted as a fixed fee after a free 30 minute call. The technical fallbacks use our standard prices.
| Technical fallback | From per month, plus VAT |
|---|---|
| Independent Microsoft 365 backup | £2.50 per user, included as standard in support agreements |
| Email filtering | £1.50 per user, not needed as an additional filter with Microsoft 365 Premium |
| Server backup with cloud failover | £35 per server |
| Desktop and laptop backup | £10 per device |
| Business phone system | £11 per user |
Monthly starting prices exclude VAT and use a 3 year term billed monthly. Shorter terms cost a little more. Your price and the actual fallback arrangements are confirmed in a written quote.
Questions about this service
Does a backup keep every service running?
No. Backup provides a recovery copy. Alternative access, replacement equipment, staff instructions and decisions are separate parts of a continuity plan.
Will you guarantee a recovery time?
We agree targets after reviewing the systems, dependencies and test results. A planning target or example is not a contractual recovery guarantee.
Is security monitoring an out-of-hours helpdesk?
No. Our security partner's analysts provide the contracted 24x7 account monitoring. Normal support hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30, excluding UK bank holidays.
Where should we start?
Call 01494 866668 for a free 30 minute planning conversation. Describe the activity you could least afford to lose and the arrangements already in place.
Free tools to help you prepare
Continuity tools
- Free business continuity plan template for small businesses
- How much does an hour of IT downtime cost your business?
- Find your single points of failure
Use these planning aids to prepare a conversation. Do not put passwords or confidential records in a worksheet.
Related information
Talk to us about your business
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