Risks attaching to a business as a result of dependencies on supplies from, or sales to, outside enitities. Loss of trade may be due to occurrences, e.g. fires, at the premises of customers and/or suppliers. Risk man agement involves a scrutiny of external dependencies and internal dependencies. Business interruption policies can extend to cover loss of trade due to damage occurring at the premises of customers and/or suppliers, utility suppliers, loss of attraction, etc.