I’m sure you do not need to be reminded of the fantastic wintery weather the UK is enduring right now, but how does this impact on companies who are already on a tight budget? As many people will have been stuck in the snow and not been able to go anywhere due to it, many meetings and potential deals would have had to be cancelled over the last week – something which we personally had to endure this week.
Cancelled orders along with potential staff not being able to get into work could mean many businesses will have seen a reduction in orders over the last week or will see a knock on effect over the coming weeks. Delayed post meaning cheques and order arriving will cause further problems to companies over the Christmas period. This will be the killer blow for some companies who are already struggling and trying to keep their head above the water.
But have we learnt any lessons from last years winter conditions, where numerous companies in Yorkshire were forced to undergo some form of insolvency over the course of the year due to the adverse weather affecting trade in some way. Remember, It is only November and With January and February – which usually bring the worst winter weather in the UK – still to come, businesses could be faced with greater financial problems caused by last years cold weather. Already our phones have been ringing with calls from businesses worried about not only dealing with the current snow, but also the fact that a second harsh winter could push them over the edge.
But what steps can be taken to reduce the impact on the business and avoid insolvency.
Continue to trade is the obvious answer, but how? Many of our clients allowed their staff to work from home through remote access.
Technological developments over recent years mean many people are able to do much of their work from home, which may be an ideal solution for employees unable to get to their workplace because of bad weather. Allowing staff to work from home on occasions such as this or on a more regular basis can increase productivity, give greater staff motivation and make more effective use of your premises and their time. Not forgetting conference calls and meetings can certainly help maintain work and orders.
- Based on the current trends, it could be a case of this is what will happen every year, so we should make allowances throughout the year for this weather. Consider stock piling critical supplies and materials in case your supplier is unable to deliver the goods and materials you require.
- We advised one of our clients; a carpet and upholstery business in Harrogate to take precautions of bringing their equipment indoors over night so the pipes dont freeze, which in return brought work that others in the business had to cancel because they hadnt taken this precaution. Planning for the winter conditions is equally vital and could give you the advantage that others in the industry may not have thought of.
- Try to ensure that you are not overly dependent on individual members of staff by encouraging them to train other people in key processes that are essential to the everyday running of your business. Remember that people may live closer to the office, use different modes of transport or use different routes, so if one person can’t get into the office, another person may be able to carry out their key tasks. one of our clients in Halifax did exactly this and is reaping the benefits from the recent cold weather.
- Many employers already have bad weather policies which set out what is expected of staff. Any “snow policy” should also cover what parents should do if their local schools close and they have no alternative means of childcare.
- Learn from the example of Pizza Express and actively capitalise on the snow – the restaurant chain last year offered special meal deals to customers who have made it into work. Could you offer telephone consultations to those who are house-bound? Discounted rates to those who make it to your premises? Could you encourage people to buy on your website as they won’t be making it to the shop?
There are plenty of other suggestion and ways to ensure your business does not struggle through bad winter weather. If you feel the weather or any other reasons mean your business is in need of advice on what steps are needed to rescue the business contact our advisor’s today on 0800 955 35 95.
