Small firms are to be offered guidance on how to protect themselves against catastrophes.

Natural disasters or man-made incidents such as terrorist attacks pose a risk to businesses of all sizes.

However, smaller firms are less likely to have measures in place to ensure they can continue operating in the event of a disaster.

This is despite research showing that 70 per cent would go to the wall if a major incident were to occur during their first year of business.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has joined the government in producing advice for small business owners to limit their exposure.

"We have produced this guide following last summer's floods, when insurers dealt with over 27,000 claims from flooded firms and paid out £1 billion to them," said the ABI's director general, Stephen Haddrill.

"During that time it became clear that many firms had inadequate or no plans in place to help them survive a major incident.

"I urge all firms to plan for the unexpected-doing so will make the difference between survival and going under should the worst happen," he added.

Last summer's floods left thousands of businesses unable to use their premises for long-periods.

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