Facing your first Christmas as a startup? Unfortunately, you’ll be making your seasonal debut in a year that’s set to be tougher than ever. Experts from leading global banks are predicting that Brexit’s financial fallout will leave us battling through an ‘economic nuclear winter’.
With this in mind, you need to begin preparations now to keep your tills ringing nonstop throughout the festive calendar. But before you start with sales and marketing strategies, it’s time to get practical.
A weather-related disaster will quickly put a dampener on business, and it’s far more likely to happen in winter. Floods, wind damage, or sky-high energy bills – there are plenty of potential problems to navigate as the seasons change.
Luckily, it’s not too late to get a handle on the situation. Focusing on a few maintenance and housekeeping tasks will guarantee your business makes it through the season – building and employees intact. Take a look.
Check the electrical supply
Cosmic law promises that blackouts and power shortages will happen at the most inconvenient of moments, like right in the middle of a lucrative transaction or an important decision-making meeting.
It’s a situation you want to avoid, but if you rely on suspended electrical cables to supply power between buildings and warehouse then you’re at the mercy of high winds.
Using a catenary wire system will take some of the pressure of cables, giving them a helping hand when it comes to staying strong throughout winter. Just make sure you employ a qualified professional to implement any changes.
Protect your staff
If your staff work outdoors, keeping them safe and healthy is the biggest priority. Whether it’s providing appropriate clothing or ordering plenty of breaks for everyone to warm up inside, it’s your responsibility to look after your employees wellbeing.
It’s also important to keep indoor workers happy too. Check your central heating system and boiler – including pipes and drainage areas – to keep everything in working order. A breakdown could cause a devastating flood, and will leave shivering staff unable to work.
Embrace energy efficiency
Whether you’re feeling the chill yet or not, it’s only going to get colder and darker over the coming months. Soon you’ll be leaving the lights on all day and cranking up the heating to keep everyone’s fingers from freezing.
It means only one thing – higher energy bills. According to British Gas, the gas consumption of an average office will go up by a staggering 63 per cent as winter sets in.
If you’re already struggling with the cost of bills, it’s a hike you’ll never be able to afford without proper planning. Swapping to an eco-friendly heating system, installing heat-saving windows, and using energy-efficient lighting will bring your bill down to a more manageable level.
Use natural light to increase productivity
If your office has windows and curtains, make sure the blinds and curtains are open often to allow natural light into your office space. Natural light can help your employees feel better and drive productivity during the winter.
Light is important because it regulates our hormones and mood. If possible, position your desk near a window to take advantage of as much natural light as possible.
Even if the worst does happen, follow these steps and your startup will be ready to face whatever winter throws your way.