Across all industries, Christmas can bring great opportunity with boosts in sales, increased consumer appetite and preparations for the New Year. However, these often come with the requirement to increase staff headcount, purchase higher volumes of stock and prepare for a reduction in the number of working days. These factors will all lead to a disruption in business and potential strains on cashflow.

Tracy Ewen, managing director at IGF, warns: “Outgoings such as wages are essential to any business and a cost that must be met. This research highlights the struggle that some companies have even during times of ‘business as usual’.  In the winter season we see many businesses experience an increase in these costs and a reduction in the efficiency of managing their income.” 

SMEs can find themselves in treacherous waters without reliable sources of working capital over Christmas because many senior staff responsible for approving supplier payments take holiday during the period.  To counter these festive challenges, small businesses need to ensure that they reach out to sources of free advice well in advance in order to fully prepare for the season of late payments.

Ewen continues: “This year, the Bank Holidays around Christmas further reduce our working days, so we are imploring SMEs to avoid the difficulties of the season. By seeking advice in to the options available, short-term and unsustainable forms of borrowing can be avoided in place of practical and reliable solutions; enabling everyone to enjoy the festivities.”