Trevor Partridge, the former head of business continuity and corporate security at Marks & Spencer, joins ORIS as senior associate consultant to offer retailers the benefit of more than 31 years’ business experience and acumen.
The launch of ORIS’ Business Risk and Continuity offering back in April now takes on greater resonance in the wake of August’s ‘multi-million pound rioting’, as many retailers will be reviewing their existing security and business continuity plans.
Counter-terrorism and adopting a proportionate approach to responding to the risks posed by acts of terror in crowded places, looking at the issue from a 360 degree perspective – in terms of the public realm and building design specification – through to operational procedures, crisis response, and continuity planning form a key part of the offer.
Partridge, who has worked in various management roles across stores, divisions and head office, will provide strategic consultancy to support retailers’ planning and strategy development in this area.
He was instrumental in taking business continuity and corporate security at M&S from what was a back room function to a flourishing department that is now fully embedded into the corporate governance and management approach across the company.
“We all witnessed some terrible scenes across the UK in August,” commented Partridge. “As such, business continuity has never been more important.”
He was quick to point out: “This is not scare-mongering or ambulance chasing, but practical step-by-step guidance on what to do to make sure all your staff are aware of the risks and take the appropriate steps that could not only save lives, but also ensure business isn’t disrupted. This obviously assists in protecting jobs and the UK economy.”
Involvement in business sector forums
A member of the Business Continuity Institute, Partridge holds a NEBOSH certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.
In addition, he initiated (and is a founding member of) the Retail Business Continuity Association and has played active roles in various business sector forums involving London First, London Resilience and Civil Contingencies.
On top of that, Partridge regularly lectures at Cranfield University around numerous topics on behalf of the MoD.
Speaking about the appointment, Kerinda Ibbotson (managing director of ORIS) said: “ORIS prides itself on working with the best in their respective fields, and Trevor will be a great asset to the brand because he brings with him a wealth of experience and business intelligence that he can share with the retail community.”
Ibbotson added: “As a former retailer, Trevor can talk first hand about the risks faced by the High Street.”
