Latest news with #ISO22301
Qatar Tribune
6 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Commercial Bank gets ISO mark for continuity management system
Tribune News Network Doha Commercial Bank, a leader in innovative digital financial solutions in Qatar, has been awarded the prestigious ISO 22301 certification for Business Continuity Management Systems from BSI (British Standards Institution). This marks a significant milestone in the Bank's ongoing commitment to operational excellence. This international certification affirms the Bank's ability to maintain business continuity and protect customers and operations in the face of unexpected disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyber threats, or other crises. This achievement is a testament to Commercial Bank's strategic investment in preparedness, crisis response, and risk management. It reflects a deeply embedded culture of resilience that prioritizes stability, reliability, and customer confidence at every level within the Bank's structure. By securing this standard, Commercial Bank reinforces its ability to deliver uninterrupted services, safeguard stakeholder interests, and uphold its role as a pioneer of Qatar's financial infrastructure. Commenting on the certification, Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Executive Officer at Commercial Bank, said: 'Receiving the ISO 22301 certification is an important milestone for Commercial Bank as it demonstrates our focus on resilience and business excellence. Being agile and prepared for any situation is key to our corporate strategy, ensuring the Bank is well prepared for any eventuality. This certification confirms our readiness and ability to maintain service for our customers in the face of business disruption events. Commenting on the certification, Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services, EMEA, BSI, said: 'Commercial Bank's commitment to business continuity helps ensure it can continue its operations throughout a disruption, minimizing the impact on employees, customers and society. Congratulations to the team on the certification of the international standard for Business Continuity Management (ISO 22301). This achievement helps demonstrate the organization's ability to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure it can recover from any disruptive incidents.' This milestone underscores the Bank's forward-looking approach and its alignment with global best practices, while also setting the stage for future achievements. Commercial Bank continues to pursue industry-leading standards, maintaining its position as a trusted partner and innovator within Qatar's financial landscape.
Entrepreneur
20-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How to Make Your Business Unshakable in Uncertain Times
What would happen if your entire business had to shut down tomorrow? Would you survive, or just hope for the best? Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In today's volatile and interconnected world, disruption is no longer an anomaly — it's an expectation. From cyber attacks and supply chain breakdowns to natural disasters and political instability, entrepreneurs must face a reality in which continuity is never guaranteed. This is where ISO 22301 — the international standard for business continuity management systems (BCMS) — becomes more than a compliance tool. It becomes a strategic framework to embed resilience into the DNA of your business. For entrepreneurs and startups, the misconception that business continuity is a luxury reserved for large corporations can be fatal. In truth, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are more vulnerable to disruption and less likely to recover without a structured plan. ISO 22301 offers a practical, scalable and systematic approach that empowers entrepreneurs to safeguard not only operations but also reputation, stakeholder confidence and long-term viability. Related: Do You Have a 'Business Continuity Plan'? What is business continuity? Business continuity is the capability of an organization to continue the delivery of products and services at acceptable predefined levels following a disruptive incident. It's not just about recovering from catastrophe — it's about sustaining operations, maintaining trust and preventing losses during times of uncertainty. Whether you run a tech startup, a creative agency or a food business, your continuity depends on several interconnected resources: people, technology, suppliers, customer relationships and regulatory compliance. A disruption in one can compromise the others. Business continuity ensures your operations are designed to resist and recover from such disruptions in a timely and controlled manner. Why ISO 22301 matters to entrepreneurs ISO 22301 defines the requirements for a business continuity management system, providing a framework that is flexible, scalable and repeatable. It ensures that you don't just react to crises — you anticipate, prepare and adapt with intent. As an entrepreneur, your time and resources are limited. ISO 22301 helps you focus those resources strategically by identifying critical business functions and the resources they depend on, assessing risks and impacts related to disruptions, establishing continuity plans with clear responsibilities and protocols, and creating a culture of resilience through structured training and awareness. It also aligns with investor expectations, builds customer trust and may lower insurance premiums — turning resilience into a competitive advantage. Starting with the right scope The first step is defining the scope of your system. You don't need to apply ISO 22301 to your entire operation from day one. Focus on your core revenue-generating activities. If you're a retailer, your focus might be fulfillment and supplier coordination. If you're a consultancy, it could be continuity of client delivery and data access. A narrow, focused scope ensures relevance, feasibility and high impact. Related: 4 Ways to Prepare Now so Your Business Survives the Unexpected Later Real-world example: The coffee shop owner who didn't panic Consider a small café in a busy city that built its reputation on personalized service and high customer retention. When a sudden water pipe burst and shut the premises down for two weeks, it could have spelled disaster. But because the owner had previously thought through basic business continuity steps — like identifying an alternate location, maintaining a digital customer list and training staff for mobile service — the café was able to operate temporarily from a pop-up space nearby. Regulars were notified, orders were prepped offsite, and loyalty was preserved. This wasn't ISO 22301 in full form, but it demonstrated the principles in action: Anticipate what might go wrong, identify what's critical, and prepare to adapt. Now imagine the same mindset formalized, structured and applied to all vital operations through ISO 22301. That's the power entrepreneurs can harness. Business impact analysis: Mapping what matters With your scope defined, the next step is a Business Impact Analysis (BIA). This helps identify your most critical activities, acceptable downtime for each one and the resources — people, systems and suppliers — they require. The BIA guides Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs), which determine how soon an activity must be restored and what data can be lost without significant damage. For example, if customer communication is key to your business model, your RTO might be just a few hours, and your RPO for client data might be near zero. These parameters influence your readiness. Risk assessment: What could go wrong? ISO 22301 encourages you to conduct a risk assessment — a practical look at threats like cyber attacks, supply shortages, illness or unavailability of key personnel, and changes in local regulation or environment. By understanding the likelihood and potential impact of each, you can prioritize prevention and response rather than react under pressure. Continuity strategies and action plans From this foundation, you develop real-world strategies to ensure resilience, including backup suppliers or service partners, cloud-based data access, remote work protocols and step-by-step emergency playbooks. The result is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) — a clear, documented, and tested guide for how to respond under pressure. ISO 22301 is not just about documentation; it's about embedding continuity into daily operations. That means training your team, simulating disruption scenarios and tracking performance while refining the system regularly. Over time, continuity becomes part of your business culture — not a dusty binder. Like any good system, ISO 22301 follows the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). This ensures your continuity strategy evolves alongside your business. Whether it's onboarding new staff, expanding operations or entering new markets, the BCMS should reflect real-time conditions and priorities. Related: 4 Steps You Need to Follow to Make It Through Any Crisis With Your Company Intact The entrepreneurial edge Entrepreneurs thrive on adaptability. But adaptability without structure can lead to chaos under pressure. ISO 22301 gives you the structure to adapt intentionally — with systems, not scramble. It transforms uncertainty into preparation, turning resilience from a reaction into a strategic asset. That café owner didn't just save a business; he protected relationships, reputation and growth. Business continuity is not about expecting disaster. It's about designing resilience. ISO 22301 offers entrepreneurs a clear, scalable framework to ensure that what you've built can withstand the unexpected.
Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Strengthening Business Continuity with ISO 22301 Consultancy in UAE
In an increasingly unpredictable world, organizations in the UAE are realizing the importance of resilience and continuity. Natural disasters, cyber threats, and economic instability can disrupt operations, putting businesses at risk of financial loss and reputational damage. To mitigate these risks, many enterprises are turning to ISO 22301 Consultancy in UAE as a strategic move to enhance their business continuity management systems. ISO 22301 is the international standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS). It provides a framework that enables organizations to identify potential threats and develop effective response mechanisms. The standard is designed to help businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive incidents. For companies in the UAE, which is a hub of global trade and investment, ensuring operational resilience is not just a best practice but a necessity. ISO 22301 is particularly relevant for organizations that provide critical services or operate in sectors with high regulatory scrutiny. It helps in maintaining essential functions during times of crisis, thereby safeguarding revenue, reputation, and customer trust. Whether it's a multinational corporation in Dubai or a local enterprise in Abu Dhabi, aligning with ISO 22301 strengthens an organization's ability to manage emergencies effectively. Implementing ISO 22301 can be a complex process, requiring a clear understanding of both the standard and the specific risks faced by an organization. This is where ISO 22301 Consultancy in UAE plays a pivotal role. Expert consultants guide businesses through the entire lifecycle of BCMS implementation — from initial risk assessments to policy development, training, and certification readiness. In the UAE, where industries range from finance and healthcare to construction and logistics, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. ISO 22301 consultants tailor the system to meet the unique operational, regulatory, and cultural needs of each organization. They conduct detailed gap analyses to identify areas of improvement and design action plans that align with business goals and compliance requirements. Engaging a specialized ISO 22301 consultant offers multiple advantages for organizations seeking a structured approach to business continuity. One of the main benefits is risk reduction. Consultants help identify vulnerabilities that may not be visible to internal teams. By addressing these weak points, businesses become better equipped to handle disruptions without losing momentum. Another major benefit is cost efficiency. While establishing a BCMS involves initial investment, consultants ensure the resources are used strategically. They help prioritize actions, avoiding unnecessary expenditures and streamlining the certification process. This makes ISO 22301 Consultancy in UAE a valuable asset for organizations looking to balance resilience and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, consultants bring industry best practices and hands-on experience. They are familiar with the local business environment, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances, allowing for a smoother implementation journey. Their expertise ensures that the system is not only compliant with ISO standards but also practical and sustainable in real-world scenarios. A well-implemented business continuity plan goes beyond compliance. It embeds resilience into the organizational culture. Employees become more aware of potential risks and their roles during emergencies. ISO 22301 consultants often conduct workshops and training sessions to empower staff and build a proactive mindset across departments. Moreover, ISO 22301 certification, achieved with the support of skilled consultants, enhances the organization's reputation. Clients, investors, and regulators view certified companies as trustworthy and responsible. In competitive markets like the UAE, where trust is a key differentiator, this can lead to increased opportunities and stronger partnerships. The success of a business continuity management system heavily depends on the quality of consultancy services. When selecting a consultancy firm, businesses should consider their track record, industry expertise, and knowledge of local regulations. A good consultant not only understands the technical aspects of ISO 22301 but also collaborates closely with internal teams to ensure knowledge transfer and ownership. In the UAE, the demand for ISO 22301 consultancy is on the rise, driven by regulatory expectations and the strategic importance of resilience. From initial planning to certification audits, a competent consultancy partner walks with the organization every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to a robust BCMS. As the UAE continues to grow as a global business hub, the focus on continuity, resilience, and risk management will only intensify. Businesses that invest in ISO 22301 consultancy today will be better prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. Whether it's adapting to technological changes, geopolitical shifts, or environmental threats, a well-established BCMS will provide the agility and assurance needed to thrive. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
e& Unveils Business Continuity as a Service to Strengthen Organisational Resilience
e& has launched its new Business Continuity as a Service (BCaaS) solution at the World Crises and Emergency Management Summit 2025, hosted by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The fully managed service is designed to help organisations identify potential risks and implement proactive strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations during crises. BCaaS offers a tailored framework that serves critical sectors including government entities, federal institutions, and private enterprises. By supporting compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating certifications such as ISO 22301 and NCEMA 7000, the solution enables businesses to maintain continuity, reduce operational costs, and strengthen stakeholder trust. 'Maintaining continuity isn't just about keeping systems running; it's about protecting integrity, reputation, and value,' said Abdalla Rashid Alsaadi, Senior Vice President, Group Business Continuity & Crisis Management, e& UAE. 'BCaaS is a holistic solution that equips organisations with the resilience they need to adapt, innovate, and thrive.' The service includes Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), crisis management planning, disaster recovery sites, and specialised training. Customers can opt for the complete suite or select services as needed, offering flexibility to meet diverse business demands. More than just a safety net, BCaaS is a strategic tool that empowers organisations to meet disruptions head-on, safeguard customer experience, and stay aligned with long-term growth objectives. With this launch, e& reaffirms its commitment to building a future-ready ecosystem where resilience is at the heart of innovation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Arabian Business
12-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
e& launches business continuity as a service at NCEMA summit 2025
e& has unveiled its new Business Continuity as a Service (BCaaS) solution at the World Crises and Emergency Management Summit 2025, organised by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management (NCEMA). The fully-managed service aims to help organisations identify potential threats and develop response mechanisms to maintain operational efficiency during disruptions. The solution works to restore and ensure business continuity within predetermined timeframes, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement. e&, NCEMA to deliver business continuity as a service BCaaS provides an integrated framework customised for various sectors including government, federal entities and private businesses. The service enables organisations to maintain operations during disruptions, meet regulatory requirements, and reduce costs whilst improving performance. 'Maintaining continuity in operations isn't just about keeping systems running; it's about protecting what defines a business – its integrity, reputation, and ability to deliver value. In today's digitally empowered world, resilience is the cornerstone of innovation and growth. Through our partnership with NCEMA, we're introducing BCaaS, a holistic solution to drive organisational resilience. This solution protects private and public sector organisations with a holistic approach, ensuring uninterrupted operations with tools that make them future-ready and enable them to adapt, innovate, and thrive,' Abdalla Rashid Alsaadi, Senior Vice President, Group Business Continuity & Crisis Management, e& UAE said. The comprehensive suite includes Business Continuity Management Systems, crisis management planning, and support for meeting regulatory requirements and certifications such as ISO 22301 and NCEMA 7000. Additionally, the service offers Disaster Recovery sites and specialised training in business continuity and crisis management. Customers have the option to purchase either the complete service package or select specific components based on their needs.
