Your commercial premises over the Christmas period

November 7, 2023

Like many a business owner, you’re probably looking forward to the prospect of heightened trading and bumper sales in the runup to Christmas.

Although that anticipated increase in activity is likely to prove more than welcome, the holiday period also brings several issues and circumstances that might leave your business rather more vulnerable than usual.

What is it about this time of the year and the days in and around the Christmas holidays that might pose particular challenges for your business?

Insurance

At any time of the year, you’ll want the comfort and reassurance of knowing that the insurance cover for your business and its premises is fully up to date and continues to provide all the protections you need. (Further reading: Seasonal sum insured increases – is it enough?)

Many businesses will be taking on additional seasonal staff in the run-up to the holidays. If you are doing so, remember to inform your insurance providers of your intentions and ensure that the cover continues to meet your legal obligations under the Employers’ Liability Insurance legislation.

Knowing your insurance obligations is especially critical during the holidays around Christmas and the New Year, when you may have closed down the business.

Are you closing for Christmas?

If your business is shutting down over the festive period, carefully check the terms of your insurance, noting any conditions relating to those periods when your business is temporarily closed down for the holidays.

One of the most common precautions you will need to take – especially if yours is a manufacturing concern – is making certain that all machinery, plant, and equipment is properly shut down during the closure of your premises.

Public liability

Whether or not your premises remain open for business during the holidays, you continue to be responsible for the safety of visitors.

At a time of year when footpaths might be covered with ice or snow, you will want to make sure that outdoor areas are free of trip hazards – or risk allegations of public liability if anyone should fall and injure themselves.

Security

Christmas and New Year, of course, coincide with some of the longest and darkest nights of the year. Under cover of darkness, thieves and vandals may be more likely than usual to target your business premises. The attraction might be even greater during those periods when you have physically shut up shop and closed the business for a few days’ holiday.

Now is the time to check the overall security of your premises, therefore, pay particular attention to outdoor lighting and any CCTV systems you may have installed. As you prepare for the holidays, you’ll rest more easily in the knowledge that security systems are up and running exactly as they are intended.

The premises

Although you have spent the best part of the year maintaining your business premises in a good state of repair, wintery conditions may still take their toll – storms, gales, ice, and snow may threaten the structure and fabric of any building.

In your preparation for the winter months – and any closures during the holidays – pay particular attention to the state of any flat roofs and make sure that water pipes are effectively lagged to prevent them from bursting.

Happy holidays!

In the hope that the coming Christmas and New Year bring many seasonal trading opportunities, rest assured that you get to enjoy the holidays by taking just a few common-sense precautions in advance.