BUSINESSES in Somerset have a small window of opportunity to get ready for the likely onset of swine flu this autumn, but too few are taking advantage of it, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) warns.

The FSB says failure to prepare now could have severe consequences for many firms and all should be considering business continuity plans.

Readiness varies widely between businesses but far too many seem to think or hope that this threat will just pass them by.

Mary Mallia, from the FSB Somerset and Wiltshire Region, said: "If the experts are correct, this outbreak could be with us in earnest by September.

“This gives us as little as one month to get our contingency plans in place – one month to think about how we will cope with staff shortages; how we will source materials if suppliers cannot deliver; what new working practices we might need to bring in; and how to advise our customers of our preparations and possible temporary strategies.”

More information and advice can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk and at www.nhs.uk