When it comes to health and safety, there are no more prominent advocates in the business world. As a foodpreneur or restaurant owner, you ensure your business is on point so that everyone who consumes your products is safe and secure.
However, from a security perspective, you may be lacking. This is because it’s easy to assume you would never be the victim of an attack. Why would you? Anybody can cook spaghetti bolognese with meatballs!
The truth is that companies, regardless of size or genre, are targets. Plus, you’ve got to consider your reputation. With that in mind, here are four security factors to consider.
Data Protection
Okay, you’re not McDonald’s, and nobody is going to steal your secret sauce recipe. Still, it pays to invest in a cheap VPS for the sake of your customers. The reason hackers focus their energy on SMEs and startups is two-fold: you have lots of weak points, and data is lucrative. Once they get their hands on credit card numbers, they can empty the accounts and make a quick buck. Alternatively, cybercriminals will hold you hostage by taking over your server and only giving you control once you pay them a fee.
Security Systems
It’s incredible how often tempers can fray in an eatery. One minute everything is fine, and the next, a couple of people are duking it out while the rest of the restaurant watches. Sadly, even though it isn’t your fault, your reputation will be dragged through the mud because it happened on your premises. With that in mind, installing CCTV cameras should prevent antisocial behavior since it makes it easier to identify people after the fact. Security systems are handy if you run a fast-food joint that’s open until late as these places tend to see more incidents.
Money & Inventory Audits
Nearly 95% of businesses experience theft. More shockingly, three-quarters of it is a direct result of internal theft, such as from an employee. Of course, you can’t make accusations, and it’s not healthy to distrust people on the off chance they will steal. Still, you can’t take any chances. Therefore, a savvy option is to audit the books and stock levels regularly. In conjunction with restricting access to files and the stockroom, you’ll easily be able to tell who has sticky fingers. Remember that you must keep your profits safe if the business is going to be successful.
Safety Policies
You shouldn’t assume everybody understands how to put their safety first. When you open the doors to the public, it makes sense to insulate yourself from security concerns by highlighting company policies. Also, you must ensure you make people aware of risks as soon as they enter the premises. A wet floor sign is basic, yet it saves physical stores a small fortune in court and legal costs each year. There are over 100 million small business suits per year, so it’s not unusual for foodpreneurs to be served papers.
Wouldn’t you rather do the serving? If so, you should remember that you need to be as security conscious as any other business.
