Businesses are facing widespread disruption after the heaviest snowfalls across much of England for more than a decade.

Commuters in London and south-east England were particularly badly affected as up to 15 inches of snow fell overnight, bringing cancellations to train and bus services and treacherous conditions on the roads.

With hundreds of schools also closed because of the snow, and millions of people expected to try to work from home where possible, firms’ business continuity plans and flexible-working practices have been put in the spotlight.

“Today’s snow is the heaviest and most widespread that south-east England has seen in 18 years, so it is an indisputable fact that there will be severe travel disruption and some employees will not make it into the office,” said Stephen Beynon, managing director of ntl:Telewest Business. “Businesses can prepare for this with a flexible-working policy so that employees can still be productive and continue to work, wherever they are.”

Firms need to adequately prepare so that they can maintain a competitive advantage and avoid unnecessary downtime, Beynon added.

“With a home broadband connection and remote working facilities, a business can easily continue its operations and avoid any lost revenue – which is crucial in any economic climate.”