SMALL firms should start preparing now to avoid being caught out by Arctic conditions this winter, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

The FPB said that smaller firms can be particularly vulnerable to the impact of freak weather conditions – with severe effects on their bottom line.

Ensuring business premises are winter-proof, insurance is up to date and that contingency plans are in place in case staff cannot get into work because of the weather should all be priorities, the FPB said.

Head of campaigns Jane Bennett said: “Disruptive snowfall hampers deliveries, triggers heating and power failures and can sometimes mean employees can’t get to work.

“The past few winters have demonstrated just how susceptible the UK is to extreme weather and the cost to businesses quickly runs into millions. When infrastructure grinds to a halt, staff can’t get into work and that’s a body blow which hits small firms with fewer staff the hardest.

“It’s essential small businesses do all they can to mitigate the impact and being proactive now will mean not having to rush out a last-minute reactive plan on the eve of bad weather, which may not be all that effective.

“It’s worth remembering prevention is also better than cure. Something as simple as making sure water pipes are lagged could save a business thousands in lost revenue if it has to close because of flooding.

“Firms need to think about their contingency plans now to ensure they aren’t put out of action by another nasty winter.” Around 13% of small businesses were seriously affected by last winter’s weather and almost four out of 10 said they had suffered some weather-related problems, according to a YouGov poll of SMEs.