When it comes to keeping your business running smoothly, data is everything. From customer records and financial documents to vital software and confidential emails, your business depends on quick access to reliable information.

But what if that data was suddenly lost, corrupted or held to ransom? Without the right backup strategy, many businesses find themselves vulnerable to downtime, financial loss and even legal trouble. At Edmondson's, we help businesses protect their critical data through secure backup solutions, tailored specifically to your needs.

Here's five ways we could help you avoid some of the most common mistakes businesses make when backing up their data.

Relying on Manual Backups

Many small businesses still rely on someone in the office remembering to back up files to an external drive or USB stick every week. Whilst simple and easy, this approach is risky, not only because it's easy for someone to forget, but also because devices can easily fail or be misplaced and also leave room for human error.

At Edmondson's, we provide automated cloud backup solutions that run on schedule without you needing to lift a finger. We monitor your backups daily to ensure they're running correctly and we'll alert you to any issues before they become a problem. With real-time monitoring and encrypted cloud storage, your data is safe, secure and recoverable when you need it most.

Keeping Backups in the Same Location as Your Data

Storing your backup drive next to your office computer or work server might seem convenient, but it could also defeat the whole purpose if your premises suffer theft, fire or flooding. Keeping backups in the same physical location as your original data exposes you to total loss in one single event.

With Edmondson's, your backups are stored offsite in secure, UK-based data centres. Our solutions ensure that even in the event of a physical disaster, your data is safe and can be restored quickly. We also offer hybrid options, combining local and cloud backups, to ensure fast recovery and maximum resilience.

Forgetting to Test Backups

Backing up your data is only half the job. If you don’t test your backups, you can’t be sure they'll work when disaster strikes. Too many businesses assume their backups are working, only to discover it can't be restored when it's needed most.

At Edmondson's, we don't just set up your backup and walk away. We regularly test the restoration process to make sure your data can be recovered quickly and comprehensively. It's all part of a robust disaster recovery plan that gives you peace of mind and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Using Outdated or Incomplete Backup Methods

Backing up just a few folders or relying on outdated software can leave huge gaps in your business continuity strategy. Critical files and applications may be missed, or the backup may not capture the most recent changes.

Our team at Edmondson's works with you to develop a full business backup strategy tailored to your needs. We consider all aspects of your infrastructure, including cloud services, email, software and databases. With scalable solutions that grow with your business, you're covered from top to bottom.

Not Having a Disaster Recovery Plan

Backups are vital, but they don’t work in isolation; They should instead be part of a wider disaster recovery plan that outlines how your business will recover from events like cyber attacks, hardware failure or natural disasters. Without a clear strategy, even the best backups can fall short.

At Edmondson's, we help businesses create comprehensive disaster recovery plans that include clearly defined recovery times, communication procedures and fallback systems. We don't just protect your data; we help you get back to business as quickly as possible.

Protect Your Business Today

Don't wait for the worst to happen to find out if your backups are working. At Edmondson's, we offer a free IT health check to review your current backup systems, identify any risks and recommend improvements. Whether you're a small firm or a growing enterprise, we can design a solution that fits your business and your budget.

Avoiding these common mistakes isn't just about keeping your data safe; It's about safeguarding your reputation, staying compliant and making sure your team can carry on without interruption. Let Edmondson's help you build a backup and disaster recovery plan that gives you complete confidence.