Maidenhead, UK, September 20, 2017 - Sword Active Risk, a supplier of specialist risk management software and services, has published initial findings from its annual ARM Global Customer Survey. Respondents included Risk Managers from over 80 global companies in energy, oil & gas, critical national infrastructure, construction, transportation and other sectors. In the UK, 93% of Risk Managers reported that risk has increased in importance and profile within their organization in the last 12 months. In the US 75% claimed that risk had increased in importance. Interestingly in both UK and US less than 5% of respondents felt that risk had reduced in importance or profile. One of the top areas for concern on both sides of the Atlantic was the increase in vulnerability to geopolitical risk.

These initial findings from the survey, which was conducted during the ARM Global Conferences in the UK and US, concurred with the latest report from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Risk Index. The report, which is produced by CIPS in association with Dun & Bradstreet, states that while the Risk Index has stabilized over the last two quarters, it is still at an all time high. The report highlights concerns in geopolitical and cross-border supply chain risks.

Keith Ricketts, Vice President of Marketing at Sword Active Risk commented; "The initial findings from our annual customer survey show that concerns regarding geopolitical and supply chain risk within large global organizations is increasing. With the continuing drive for efficiency businesses are now ultra-connected with massively complex supply chains of which they have often have little visibility, making them vulnerable to disruptions. We have seen this developing trend during the three years that we have conducted the survey, and it serves to highlight the importance to companies with a complex supply chain, that they need to undertake 'supply chain mapping' and 'what if' exercises, if they are to maintain visibility of their extended supply chain risks."

As well as the increasing concern around political and geopolitical risk, the survey showed an acceleration in the importance and profile of risk within companies compared with previous years.

Active Risk Manager is used in mega-projects around the world including Crossrail, Downer Rail, Northern Gateway Alliance and Thames Tunnel.The final leg of the ARM Global Conference series takes place in Sydney, Australia, on 28 September 2017. For more information and to register please visit: www.armgcc.com/sydney

Press Contact:
Andreina West
PR Artistry
Chiltern House 45 Station Road Henley-on-Thames OXON RG9 1AT
44 (0) 1491 845553
andreina@pra-ltd.co.uk
http://www.sword-activerisk.com/