Is your business ready for the festive rush?

Nov 13 2007 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

WITH Christmas time approaching and seasonal demand about to reach its peak, businesses across the Tees Valley could find themselves facing additional pressures.

As owners and managers gear up to meet large surges in demand, bosses could find balancing funds, stock levels and resources a real challenge.

Business finance provider Bibby Financial Services urges entrepreneurs to make essential preparations as early as possible in order to maximise the opportunity that the festive rush brings.

Graham Cooper, Bibby Financial Services spokesperson for Yorkshire, says: “A little advanced planning can help a smart business to move through this hectic time and start the New Year with confidence.”

To help owners and managers make essential preparations this Christmas, Bibby Financial Services has the following tips:

Stock up - December sales can often be hard to predict so cater for all possibilities.

A helping hand - Don’t underestimate the importance of having enough staff on hand. Make sure you have sufficient trained staff at the ready.

Keep the cash flowing - When taking on more work, it is even more important that you have suitable financing in place. Otherwise you could find yourself in a position where you are unable to fund new orders and have to turn customers away as the business peaks.

Put the word out - Inform your customers of your business hours and lead times or deadlines for pre-Christmas orders. This will not only help you to provide a good standard of service to your customers but will stimulate purchase as well.

The IT factor - If you have a website, make sure all your company information is up to date. Displaying new promotions, business hours, delivery times and services online is a handy way of reaching busy customers during the festive period.