Business continuity planning (BCP) isn’t something most organisations think about every day. It’s a specialist discipline that only becomes urgent when disruption looms—whether that’s a factory loss, cyberattack, supply chain failure, or a major systems outage. Until then, it often sits quietly in the background.
When the need does arise, many organisations start by trying to manage continuity planning internally. BCP templates are the obvious place to begin—and we provide one for that reason. Our templates are high quality and designed to help small businesses take their first steps. But as organisations grow beyond around 30 staff, the complexities of planning and the nuances of risk management become harder to navigate. At that point, a template alone rarely delivers a plan that’s robust enough to protect the business.
That’s where external expertise comes in. The challenge? Knowing what to expect from a Business Continuity consultant, how to choose the right one, and what a realistic investment looks like. There’s no universal answer, because the right solution depends on your organisation’s size, complexity, risk profile and risk appetite. Get the scope wrong, and you risk ending up with a plan that looks good on paper but fails when it matters most.
What Drives Cost and Effort?
There’s no single price tag for BCP because every organisation is different. Instead, think in terms of drivers of effort:
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Complexity is the biggest factor
More sites, varied operations, critical systems, or a complex IT stack all increase delivery time and resource requirements. A single-site business with straightforward processes will need far less work than a multi-site organisation with interdependent systems and regulatory obligations. -
Scope matters
A narrow scope—such as meeting insurance requirements for one location—is faster and simpler than an organisation-wide strategy covering multiple departments, suppliers, and IT platforms. -
Budget realism
If your expectations and budget don’t align, you risk attracting generalists rather than specialists. A lean, focused programme is often better than an oversized one that drains resources without adding resilience. -
Depth of analysis
Department-level Business Impact Analyses (BIAs) can inflate timelines and costs. A leaner, value-stream-led approach often delivers better results without unnecessary complexity. -
Standards alignment vs certification
Aligning with ISO 22301 principles is sensible, but full certification adds significant cost and effort. Certification focuses on documentation and audits—not always on practical resilience. Unless you need the certificate for compliance reasons, alignment without certification is often more cost-effective. -
Testing and exercising
A plan without testing is just theory. Workshops, tabletop exercises, and scenario simulations add time but are essential for confidence in real-world recovery. -
Ongoing maintenance
A BCP isn’t one-and-done. It needs regular review, updates, and exercises to stay relevant. Budget for this as part of your resilience strategy.
The takeaway: size doesn’t dictate cost—complexity does. Understanding your operational landscape upfront helps avoid surprises later.
What to Look for in a BCP Consultant
Choosing the right consultant is critical to getting a plan that works when disruption strikes. Here’s what to examine in detail:
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Subject Matter Expertise
Business continuity is a specialist discipline. Many firms offer it as an add-on to risk management or compliance services, but that rarely delivers depth. Look for consultants who live and breathe continuity planning—not those who treat it as a sideline. Ask how many BCP projects they’ve delivered in the past year and whether they have dedicated continuity professionals on staff. -
Relevant Industry Experience
Context matters. Planning for a financial services firm with strict regulatory requirements is very different from planning for a food manufacturer with perishable goods and supply chain dependencies. Ask for case studies or examples of work in your sector—or at least in organisations with similar operational complexity. -
Evidence of Core Competence
Check their website and marketing materials. If continuity planning is buried among dozens of unrelated services, it’s probably not a core focus. You want a provider for whom BCP is a primary discipline, ideally supported by recognised certifications (e.g., CBCI, ISO 22301 Lead Implementer). -
Methodology and Approach
Do they follow recognised frameworks like ISO 22301 or adopt pragmatic best practices? A good consultant should be able to explain their methodology clearly and adapt it to your organisation’s size and complexity. Beware of rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches—they often lead to bloated documentation that adds little value. Flexibility is key: experienced consultants should tailor their approach rather than forcing you into a template. -
Delivery Team and Seniority
Large consultancies often delegate delivery to junior staff while senior experts appear only in sales meetings. Ask who will lead workshops, write documentation, and manage testing. Request CVs or bios for key personnel to confirm their experience. -
Practical Experience Beyond Theory
Textbook knowledge is useful, but consultants who have supported real-world incidents or recovery exercises bring insights you can’t get from theory alone. Ask if they’ve been involved in live disaster recovery or crisis management situations. -
Clarity in Deliverables
A strong proposal will outline exactly what’s included: workshops, documentation, testing, and handover. Vague promises like “we’ll provide a comprehensive plan” are a red flag. Insist on a clear scope and timeline. -
Cultural Fit and Communication Style
Continuity planning requires collaboration across departments—from IT to HR to operations. A consultant who can engage stakeholders effectively and explain technical concepts in plain language will make the process smoother and more successful. -
References and Case Studies
Always ask for references from similar projects. Speaking to past clients helps confirm whether the consultant delivered on time, within scope, and with practical outcomes. -
Independence from Insurance Brokers
Some brokers bundle continuity planning into their risk advisory services. While this can be convenient, it often results in narrow plans focused on insurance compliance rather than operational resilience. If you’re considering a broker-led service, check whether they bring in specialist continuity experts or rely on generic risk managers.
How to Find a Good Consultant
Once you know what to look for, the next question is: where do you find the right expertise? Here are four practical routes:
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Tender Process
If you plan to run a formal procurement exercise, make sure your tender is structured to attract strong, targeted responses from genuine specialists. Poorly written tenders often lead to vague proposals or inflated costs.
For practical advice on writing a tender that gets the best results, read our guide:
Writing a Better BCM Tender: Practical Tips for Stronger Responses. -
Referrals and Recommendations
Ask peers in your sector who they’ve used and what their experience was like. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to trusted providers with proven track records. -
Targeted Search
A simple Google search can help, but be specific. Search for “business continuity consultants” plus your industry or location. Look for firms where BCP is a core service, not buried among unrelated offerings. -
Insurance Broker Introductions
Some brokers offer continuity planning as part of their risk advisory services. This can be convenient, but check whether they bring in specialist consultants or rely on generalists. Broker-led solutions often focus on insurance compliance rather than holistic resilience.
The Takeaway
There’s no universal price tag—and nor should there be. The best value comes from a plan that satisfies the Goldilocks principle: proportionate, focused, and just right for your organisation—not oversized or undercooked.
