Episode 122 - Just One Thing: Advice For Business Leaders Part 2
In this compelling second instalment of their business wisdom series, hosts David Parry and Richard...
5 min read
In Episode 126 of the SME Growth Podcast, hosts Dave and Rich explore a hypothetical scenario that might feel a little too real: What if the internet went down across the UK?
What starts off as a playful thought experiment quickly becomes a serious discussion about business continuity, digital resilience, and the practical steps SMEs can take to be ready—just in case.
Inspired by a Sunday Times article that raised the possibility of cyber threats targeting UK businesses, the duo walk through what a week-long internet outage might look like, and how companies could (and should) prepare.
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You can listen to the full episode here
Listen to the full episode now
Key Topics Discussed:
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Could your business survive without the internet?
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Which cloud-based systems are truly business-critical?
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Why listing your tools and systems is more useful than you think
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How to structure simple, cost-effective backups using existing tech
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Revisiting old-school comms: fax machines, chequebooks, and landlines
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Creating “grab bags” and contingency plans for a no-internet day
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Could business continuity drills become the next team-building day?
Quotes to Remember
“You’re only as strong as the weakest link in your chain.”
“If you could still send a fax, would you be one step ahead of your competitors?”
“Even if it’s not apocalyptic, there are still good reasons to know what systems your business relies on.”
“Don’t panic… but do prepare.”
Top Takeaways:
1. Make a list of your business-critical systems.
Start with accounting, CRM, HR, inventory, communications—anything stored in the cloud that your business can’t function without.
2. Back up your data regularly and locally.
Some cloud platforms allow you to schedule daily data exports. Store these in a secure but accessible place so you always have a usable copy, even if the internet goes offline.
3. Plan analogue workarounds.
Keep spare landline phones, paper order forms, and yes, even a chequebook. Sometimes, the old ways still work when the new ones don’t.
4. Consider alternate technologies.
From Starlink to fax machines, thinking ahead about secondary systems might give you a valuable edge if things go sideways.
5. Run a no-internet drill.
Test your resilience by pretending the internet is out for a day. What still works? What doesn’t? What do your team members instinctively rely on without thinking?
Why This Matters
While the idea of a national internet outage may sound extreme, cyberattacks, undersea cable damage, or critical ISP failures are not out of the question. This episode offers both a humorous and helpful lens on a scenario most businesses haven’t considered seriously enough.
Whether you’re in operations, leadership or IT, the episode offers plenty of insight into cost-effective, practical steps SMEs can take today to improve their resilience, without going full “bunker mode.”
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