It could be a flood or a fire, illness of important members of staff or IT failure, and it could result in the loss of key customers or, in a worst case scenario, force a business to stop trading.
Firms are increasingly putting in place continuity plans to ensure they can continue to operate in the event of an emergency.
James Davis has been to Manx Telecom’s Business Continuity Centre where he spoke to head of corporate and public sector sales Richard Fletcher:
Reduction in minimum wage rise "positive across the board", says Chamber president
Organisation welcomes revised proposals
Changes to IOM Post Office operations are coming, but no closures
Opening hours and service provision are to be adjusted
Analysis: Could the next Budget leave you with more take-home pay?
Treasury modelling and recent remarks in Tynwald offer clues about a potential rise in the personal tax allowance
UK MP says developer has withdrawn from Morgan windfarm
The 96-turbine development would have impacted Steam Packet services
