KPMG is used to advising other companies on how to deal with disasters — but last month the firm tested its own readiness.

The firm sprang a surprise on most of its staff by launching a disaster recovery exercise on June 18 — only a few personnel knew the exact date of the test.

KPMG business continuity specialist David Ciera explained: "It was essential to the integrity of the test that as few people as possible were advised in advance. On the day staff had to react as though it really was an unplanned emergency."

The test took the form of a mock fire exercise, which rendered the Par-la-Ville Road offices inaccessible. On arriving at work, staff were met by the firm's emergency measures team and advised to either go home and await further instruction or implement documented business continuity policy procedures, Mr. Ciera said.

"This was an important step in confirming our preparedness to respond to an adverse event such as a fire, flood or hurricane," KPMG managing partner Steve Green said.

"It was also an excellent opportunity for us to test and validate the very systems and procedures we offer as advisory services to our clients. In keeping with our core values we saw this as an opportunity to seek the facts and provide insight and to lead by example."

Mr. Green said the loss of six hours' working time had cost the firm, but that it had been "money well spent".

"Similarly, although we did everything in our power to mitigate the impact on our clients, some were naturally inconvenienced by the test and we would like to publicly thank all of them for their patience and understanding."

As a result of the test KPMG have identified a number of key areas where policies and procedures need to be improved.