Business continuity is only as strong as its weakest link, and increasingly, that link is being tested by real-world physical security events. From civil unrest to power outages, break-ins to protests, organisations across the UK attending the Total Security Summit have faced a growing range of threats that challenge their ability to maintain operations.
Recent high-profile incidents have highlighted both strengths and gaps in continuity planning. For example, during widespread climate-related flooding in early 2024, several logistics depots in the Midlands were forced offline for multiple days.
Facilities with robust perimeter protection, multi-site operational fallback plans, and remote access surveillance were able to resume partial service within hours. Others, lacking redundancy and staff coordination protocols, suffered prolonged downtime and reputational damage.
Similarly, a multinational tech firm’s London office faced unexpected disruption in late 2023 due to an activist protest that escalated into a security breach. The building’s access control system was bypassed during a staff shift change, and the company’s initial response was delayed by uncertainty over roles and communication protocols. However, pre-trained security personnel and well-drilled evacuation plans ultimately contained the incident with minimal physical harm.
Key lessons have emerged from such incidents:
Scenario-based planning is essential. Too many continuity plans rely on generic disruption templates. Tailoring responses to physical threats such as vandalism, unauthorised access, or weather events ensures a faster, more effective response.
Coordination between physical and digital teams is critical. In many incidents, confusion arises over who leads during a hybrid threat: IT, security, or facilities. Clear command hierarchies and joint training sessions help prevent delays.
Human readiness is as important as systems. Even the best technology can falter if staff are untrained or unaware of procedures. Ongoing drills, especially for front-line staff, are crucial.
In a high-risk environment, physical security leaders must champion a culture of preparedness that goes beyond locks and barriers. When business continuity is tested, it’s the plans put in place by the security team, well-practised, well-integrated, and people-focused, that can make all the difference.
Are you searching for Business Continuity & Risk Management solutions for your organisation? The Total Security Summit can help!
Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash
