Owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) continue to receive training and will learn how to effectively respond to threats such as natural disasters or data breaches at a free two-day training programme next week.

Junior Minister for Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Marlon Penn said the training provides the business sector with the necessary tools required for mitigating the effects of natural disasters.

Honourable Penn said, “This training will help businesses in taking the necessary measures for preparation for future events that may threaten their businesses.”

He added, “The benefits of this training is for businesses to become more responsive and resilient in ensuring that there are no operational delays or interruptions, where business can continue as usual, in unfavourable circumstances.”

Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) is a framework for identifying an organsation’s risk of exposure to internal and external threats. The goal of BCMS is to provide the organisation with the ability to effectively respond to threats such as natural disasters or data breaches and protect the business interests of the organisation.

The training will cover topics including: protecting businesses ahead of disruption; recovering critical business functions in crisis situations; taking action to move towards ISO 22301 implementation and eventual certification; and improving internal processes by planning a Business Continuity Management System.

The Business Continuity Management System’s training will be held at the Village Cay Hotel Conference Room from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. on June 8 and 9 and will be hosted by the Caribbean Overseas Small and Medium Enterprises (COSME) programme, in association with the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs; the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA); and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Registration closes on Tuesday, June 5. Interested persons should contact BVICCHA at (284) 494-3514 or email them at info@bviccha.org to register for this training.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.