The festive season is just around the corner, and we think you’ll admit, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year, with families eagerly anticipating a season filled with festivities and celebrations. However, even during this time of year, business operations do not come to a halt, and owners must keep their businesses running. With the holiday season predicted to contribute up to 65% of small businesses’ annual revenue, it’s clear that a plan needs to be put in place. 

Grow Insurance offers a guide to 12 steps to make sure your Swindon business thrives as we step into Christmas.  

1.Get ahead with Christmas holidays for staff:  

Plan by enquiring about staff availability and establishing a holiday request deadline to maintain smooth operations during the festive season. You might also contemplate providing time off during quieter periods throughout the year as an incentive in exchange for shifts worked over the Christmas period. Regrettably, despite our wishes, businesses do not come to a standstill.  

2.Extra staff 

The holiday season can be your busiest time of the year, so you might need to hire extra seasonal staff to handle the increased demand. While this means spending more on staff, it can lead to higher-quality customer service, which can potentially boost your sales. 

3. Watching your money 

You can avoid using expensive credit cards or bank overdrafts to manage your business during the holidays by planning ahead. Forecasting lets you see when money comes in and goes out of your business, helping you make important spending decisions before and after the holiday season. 

4. Marketing 

On the other hand, for some businesses, Christmas might bring in fewer sales because of what they sell. In this case, you might need to put in extra effort to attract smart shoppers looking for a bargain. To make your business stand out, ensure you highlight what makes it unique. Take some extra time to plan your marketing and think about your target customers to add some holiday magic to a slower month. 

5.Those sneaky extra Christmas Costs 

From giving bonuses to staff or making charitable donations, it’s simple to get carried away by the holiday spirit, which can add extra pressure to your business budget. There’s no time like the New Year to turn a resolution into a regular practice. So, in the coming year, consider setting aside a small amount of money each month. This way, when Christmas arrives, you’ll have a specific amount saved up for festive celebrations and unexpected expenses. 

6.Make customers feel special 

According to a 2022 survey by Quickbooks, 42% of UK shoppers said that special holiday discounts would make them spend more money at an SME. So, why not provide that extra dose of Christmas magic and say thank you to your loyal customers by offering discounts at special store events? 

7.Make time for yourself  

Don’t forget to take time for yourselves during the festive season. Amidst the hustle and bustle of running your business and catering to customers’ needs, it’s essential to recharge and enjoy the holiday spirit. Whether it’s a short break, quality time with loved ones, or simply a moment of relaxation, self-care is vital to ensure you start the new year refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your business and team. 

8.Deliveries  

If your business involves deliveries, we all know that Royal Mail, Evri, and other delivery companies will become incredibly busy as the build-up to Christmas commences. So, consider how you’ll handle the extra customer demand and whether you’ll extend the returns period for those unlucky customers who don’t receive their parcels in time.  

9.Website prep 

As almost two-thirds of small businesses’ yearly income comes from online sales, it’s a smart move to ensure your website can handle the extra traffic from savvy shoppers looking for deals. 

10.Stay protected 

It pays to protect your contents this festive season, with shoplifting on the rise so make sure you lock up your stock and valuables to keep those thieves away. Grow Insurance Partners are experts in general commercial insurance, providing in-house support and offering all your insurance needs in one place, simplifying your renewal process with a single date.  

11.Allow flexibility for your employees 

The to-do list when it comes to Christmas is extraordinarily long, to boost morale and help employees stay focused, consider offering flexible extended lunch breaks, allowing them to complete festive tasks on their to-do lists. At the end of the day, they are the reason your Swindon business keeps afloat, without them you have no business! 

12.Insurance…Insurance…Insurance 

From public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance to employers’ liability and contents insurance, ensuring your business is gift-wrapped with protection against the worst could bring peace of mind and festive success. 

Wishing You a ‘Risk-Free Wonderland’ this Christmas from The Grow Insurance Partners Team.  

To chat with our account executive with a free consultation today, click here: Grow Insurance Partners (office365.com)