Practical Advice to Small Businesses in these extraordinary times

Valuable, practicable advice for small businesses on how to survive these extraordinary times.

Communication is Key

Managing expectations and priorities during an epidemic is particularly important.  Communication is key.Small business owners should consider public opinions, proactively engage with staff where applicable and issue useful communications. Above all provide professional, appropriate guidance to staff and clients.It is also important to think about the bigger picture. We all have a responsibility to fulfil our social responsibilities, stabilising employment where can, supporting our supply chains, paying attention to your public image and incorporating sustainable development into your long-term strategy, if you are not already.

Review your policies

This is the time to review your company policies at a strategic level, for example exploring new products or service channels, new approaches to client experience and the opportunities to expand into new markets with your existing resources.

Think digitally

The epidemic has only highlighted further  the importance of digital transformation in your business if you are not already digitally evolved. This is the time to take the opportunity to upgrade and improve the agility of your technology in-house so you can stay in touch with the wider world.

Wellbeing

It is vitally important to pay attention to you and your staff's physical and mental health and develop plans to work from home remotely that takes wellbeing into consideration. For example, regular online team meetings via video conference will provide support and continuity to the working day and an opportunity to set out daily tasks and routines to maintain structure during these stressful times.Above all, lets stay as positive as we can, laugh as much as we can, and share our optimism with our clients, colleagues, friends and family.