London named the world leader for catastrophe planning.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Three years of emergency training exercises in Britain's capital has fine-tuned response times and outcomes

LONDON continues to lead the world in contingency business planning for major emergencies, the Congressional Group on Homeland Security has heard in Washington, writes James Brewer.

Ian Weatherhead, business representative on the UK government-backed London Resilience Committee, listed the detailed structures that made Britain better prepared than ever for catastrophic incidents.

The Congress group is gathering information on how Britain handles crises, which could demand rapid top level response and involve mass evacuation of a city or region.

It is seeking new ideas in the wake of the 9'11 attacks and New Orleans flood disaster.

Mr Weatherhead, as business development manager of London Chamber of Commerce, was invited to share the chamber's experience as the only such body in the UK with a defence and security group although it is willing to help companies located anywhere in the country. The security group provides introductions to the vast UK, US and international defence and security industry.