London, UK: For the first time, businesses in London are to undertake the capital’s largest co-ordinated test of IT, telecommunications and transport requirements.
The Stress Test, scheduled for 8 and 9 May 2012, aims to simulate conditions during the London 2012 Games later in the summer, when many businesses will employ alternative working arrangements such as flexible hours to alleviate disruption to their operations.
Businesses of all sizes and their employees are encouraged to implement their ‘Games-time’ alternative working arrangements on 8 and 9 May and simultaneously conduct a simple and confidential online survey provided by Deloitte. The survey results will help organisations’ evaluate their plans and provide an overall industry view of the measures being adopted. Registration and participation in the survey is free to all businesses.
The Stress Test organisers aim to ensure that London has the right information to remain open for business during the Games, and in particular that employees can still access their workplace and use telecommunications, which will provide a major boost to the economy over the Summer.
The initiative is being led and promoted by Canary Wharf Group and Deloitte working in partnership with the Government Olympic Executive, Transport for London, The Greater London Authority, City of London Corporation, the Financial Services Authority and the London First Cross-sector Safety and Security Communications Group (CSSC). A number of Canary Wharf and the City’s largest employers are already committed to the scheme.
Mark Evers, director of Games Transport at TfL, said: “Many organisations are already putting their plans in place to ensure they can continue to run effectively and profitably during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Stress Test provides businesses with the perfect opportunity to test their plans and identify any issues they may need to address ahead of the Games. Help and advice is also available for businesses that haven’t started planning yet, at www.getaheadofthegames.com.”
John Milne, head of resilience at the FSA says “We strongly support this initiative by Canary Wharf Group which will offer firms a unique opportunity to dry-run the plans they have put in place for the Olympics.”
Drew Gibson, business continuity manager at Canary Wharf Group says: “The stress test will provide business of all sizes and in all sectors across London with an exciting opportunity to work together on these kinds of issues. By planning ahead we can develop our overall resilience and capitalise on the boost to London’s economy this summer, while helping London to deliver a successful London 2012 Games.”
Organisations that wish to participate are required to register at www.deloitte.co.uk/stresstest.
