Barclays Business offers free data backup service to all UK SMEs

Barclays Business is making its I-Sure online data backup service free for all UK businesses signing up in the next three months, whether or not they are Barclays customers.

Commonly cited industry statistics show that over half of businesses shut down within six months of a disaster, such as losing all of their data through fire.

The I-Sure product enables businesses to save sensitive data in a remote and secure location, providing customers with the confidence that all their business critical data, such as accounts, stock information and customer contact details, is securely encrypted and immediately available online.

The move highlights the issue of data security in the wake of recent property destruction and looting, and complements Barclays extensive package of support to businesses and personal customers impacted by the recent events. This package includes loan repayment holidays, temporary overdraft increases and clarity on insurance cover.

Steve Cooper, Managing Director, Barclays Business said: "This remains a challenging environment for small businesses and I'm sure the events of the last few days will have led some owner-managers to consider how they would continue to operate should a disaster hit. By providing I-Sure to all UK businesses, Barclays is giving businesses greater peace of mind about their information security.

"Businesses need to think about protecting their intellectual capital, the hard-won knowledge that keeps their business humming, in exactly the same way that many consider taking out insurance to protect their business from fire. It's an essential part of being in business, and we're pleased to play our part in supporting UK businesses with this and through our package of support for businesses and personal customers."

Paul Moriarty owner of a logistics and furniture installation consultancy and user of I-Sure recently lost of all of his accounts, invoices and contacts for his businesses.

Paul: "When my computer died, all I could think of was that my business accounts and documents were gone. It's just one of those things which you don't think will happen to you so you don't give it a minute's thought. When I started my business a year ago, there were so many things to think about and this definitely wasn't on the list. I am sure that there are other small businesses out there that haven't given this issue a second thought and may be storing up trouble for the future."

To register, businesses should visit i-sure.com.