SECURING computer back-ups and checking on overseas suppliers and contracts are just some of the things Worcester businesses can do to protect themselves during any war.

While the world holds its breath, waiting for USA and Britain to launch an attack on Iraq, the wheels of business continue to turn.

Global markets staged a turnaround yesterday following the announcement the British Government would go to war without a second UN resolution. Investors saw the news as a sign of an imminent attack, and rushed to buy shares.

But war could have real, and sometimes negative, effects on companies that are simply trying to carry on trading during difficult circumstances.

Peter Copsey, a partner with Worcestershire law firm, Morton Fisher Solicitors, said companies exporting products to countries affected by the war may encounter logistical problems.

"If you were exporting to Turkey, for example, the roads may become clogged with Military, and then there may be a problem with getting products to their destination," said Mr Copsey.

Companies importing vital raw materials should also consider whether supplies will be blocked during conflict, and think about alternative suppliers as a "back-up".

Mr Copsey said companies should also check contracts for what they say about war or civil commotion, in case a clause made the contract null and void in these circumstances.

Christopher Brickell, from Kendall Wadley Chartered accountants, in Malvern, said the prospect of war was affecting companies' investment decisions.

"There is clear evidence of our clients holding off making investments," he said.

"They are delaying capital expenditure projects because of the uncertainty that comes with not knowing what is going to happen."

Greg Evans, from WorcesterIT, based on the Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, said cyber-terrorism was not a big threat.

"It is extremely unlikely the forces in question have dedicated, or effective virus writers," he said.

"If they were to attempt a virus attack, it would be with the use of existing, known viruses, which up-to-date checkers will protect against."

Help and information about viruses could be found at www.sophos.com and www.drsolomons.com.

Neil Skidmore, a partner at PKF accountants and business advisers, in The Butts, Worcester, said the most effective protection for communications and IT systems was to have secure back-up.

"Companies should make sure they have proper back-up and that the back-up is stored in a secure place," he said.

"More importantly, companies should check their back-ups actually work - before they are needed."