Lessons learnt about small and medium enterprises recovery from natural disasters

"Don't underestimate the ability of small businesses to adapt," this was one of the most important messages regarding the small businesses' resilience following the Christchurch earthquakes, as told at the recent World Conference of the International Council for Small business (ICSB) in Wellington, New Zealand.

A symposium of the conference was dedicated to SME recovery and risk management, reports Scoop Media Ltd. Speakers at the symposium highlighted how earthquake affected businesses relocated, as well as the impact of the disaster on tourism and export education.

Bushfires and floods are hazards that Australian businesses may have to face. The audience also heard about how a Japanese community united to overcome their losses following the earthquake and tsunami through e-commerce, international promotions and exhibitions. Finally, the importance of business continuity planning was emphasized.