Winter can really cling on, right? Even when you’re thinking spring is on the way. Us brits know the drill, frost one day, mowing lawns the next. But then, bam! An unexpected storm hits out of nowhere.
Today we’re taking a practical look at why seemingly inconspicuous spring snowfalls can still freeze your business, and more importantly, how to keep operations running, literally and metaphorically, despite any wintery surprises.
How snowfalls could still affect your business
Even though it’s technically spring, snowfall is still a very real possibility and it can greatly impact your business. Here are some ways in which spring snowstorms can cause disruptions:
- Transportation delays: Heavy snowfall is highly unsafe for travel, leading to delayed or cancelled shipments, deliveries and employee commutes.
- Power outages: Snowstorms can also cause power outages, leaving your business without electricity and affecting operations that rely on it.
- Damage to property: Heavy snow accumulation can cause damage to roofs, gutters and other structures in or around your business premises.
While these disruptions may seem minor in comparison to a full-blown blizzard, they can still have a significant impact on your business’s bottom line.
Tips for keeping your business running during spring snowfalls
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimise the negative effects of spring snow falls on your business. Here are some tips to help you stay prepared:
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan ahead if there is a possibility of snow. This will allow you to make necessary arrangements in advance, such as rescheduling deliveries or allowing employees to work from home.
- Have a backup plan: In case of power outages or transportation delays, have a contingency plan in place. This could include having backup generators or alternate modes of transportation for your employees.
- Maintain your property: Regularly check and maintain your property to prevent damage from heavy snowfall. This could include clearing gutters, trimming tree branches and repairing any roof leaks.
- Communicate with stakeholders: Keep your customers, suppliers and employees informed about any changes or delays caused by spring snowstorms. This will help manage expectations and minimise any potential inconvenience.
The importance of flexibility in business
Spring snowfalls serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of business and the importance of adaptability. As a business owner, it’s important to have the ability to quickly pivot and make necessary adjustments to keep operations running smoothly.
In addition, being flexible can also help you capitalise on unexpected opportunities that may arise during times of disruption. For example, if your competitors are unable to deliver due to a spring snowstorm, you can step in and fulfil their orders, potentially gaining new customers and increasing profits.
Even though spring is typically associated with warmer weather, businesses need to be prepared for unexpected snowfalls, or at least, frosts.
By staying informed, having contingency plans in place, maintaining your property and being flexible, you can minimise the impact of spring snowstorms on your business and keep operations running smoothly.
The chances of this might be low, but we’ve seen March snowfall MANY times here in the UK. So, don’t let the possibility of spring snowfalls freeze your business. Be prepared and stay flexible.