One in five large businesses in the UK do not have a detailed business continuity plan in place, according to research.

But 71 per cent of firms have an emergency recovery plan, according to the research by analyst IDC on behalf of BT Global Services.

Accountability for business continuity is increasingly falling on senior managers, lying with the chief executive in 27 per cent of firms and with the head of IT in 63 per cent.

Some 49 per cent of organisations involve the chief executive in the key economic decisions concerning the issue.

The fact that continuity is attracting the attention of business leadership teams is a good sign, said Ed Cordin, a consulting director at IDC.

"It's an important development because keeping the business running, come what may, has to be a key board-level concern not just one of IT," he said.

More than a third (37 per cent) of companies plan to increase spending on business continuity this year.

But they should ensure they find the right solution for the organisation, said Ray Stanton, global head of business continuity, security & governance practice, BT Global Services.

“It’s interesting to see that so many businesses plan to up spending in such a tough climate, but businesses need to think carefully about how to spend that money," he said.

"The right business continuity investments don’t just protect against threats, they help to build customer confidence and enhance the brand.

“Business continuity planning should encompass technology, human resources and customer service issues."