ChCh Swim School to Re-open After Successful Implementation of BERP

King’s Swim School in Halswell will re-open tomorrow and the business owners credit a good BERP as the prime reason for such a quick recovery.

BERP or a Business Emergency Response Plan was implemented the day of the massive 7.1 quake on Saturday and King’s manager, Greer Mason, says after now completing phase two of that plan, they have the green light to start operating again.

“We have worked with a company called Profuzion Consulting for two years now and by operating a Business Emergency Response Plan with consultant Mike Fitzgerald’s support and direction, we have been able to get to this point which is very pleasing,” she says.

Profuzion director, Hoani Hipango, developed BERP using the experience he gained working in emergency relief zones as Commanding Officer and Squadron Leader in the Navy and Airforce.

“Just as Civil Defence has protocols and systems in place, it is essential business owners have considered and structured protocols, systems and strategies established so they can manage business response and recovery,” he says.

Profuzion’s Mike Fitzgerald who has worked closely with the swim school, says if a business does not have a plan in place when an event like this hits, it is not too late to be strategic, as in the case of King’s Swim School.

“By ensuring people are aware of what’s happening (both staff and customers), making sure staff are being paid, are well and safe, and are being looked after, the client can move on to the next phase. It might sound simple but in a situation like this, it can be difficult to know where to start. Next getting sign off on the structural integrity of the building and pool was needed and now the business can start trading again,” Mike Fitzgerald says.

Also, King’s manager Greer Mason has Swine Flu (not infectious) and the business owners were and still are, out of town which has added to the challenges the business has faced over the last few days.

“I could not have done this without BERP and am very pleased we can reopen tomorrow,” says Greer Mason.

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