As we all look towards 2021 being more prosperous and fairgrounds re-opening, speculation continues regarding what the Government will do to best tackle rising coronavirus figures in the UK, here’s what you can do to prepare your business for the better times ahead.
Implement forward financial planning
It’s essential that during these turbulent times, you plan for how your business will be affected should the lockdowns continue. Whilst there have been some improvements in the support for showmen, it’s unclear as to what will happen with the Government support schemes and what further support will be available, so it’s worth regularly monitoring updates on the news to stay in the loop, from
Don’t rely on one person
During these times, you or your most reliable workers could need to self-isolate at the drop of a hat. If you’re relying on select people, you may find yourself unable to open if this happens.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have other options available. If only one person knows how to do something, when they’re gone – it won’t get done. However, if this knowledge is shared across other workers or family members in advance, they will be able to pick up the task while the person is away.
Plan for the future
While no-one can predict what the future will bring at this time, help yourself by thinking carefully and planning for as many scenarios that could affect your business as possible. By planning to put provisions in place now to mitigate what might happen.
For example, if you have multiple pieces of equipment, what would the impact be of another local lockdown? Now consider what the impact might be if you could respond quickly to a lessee or private request and open with a single piece of equipment, perhaps a juvenile ride or a sideshow. What changes would you need to put in place to make this possible, can you open at a reduced capacity?
Be strict about your policies and be COVID safe!
As the roll out of vaccines continues and local lockdowns ease, showmen will still be required to put a range of strict measures in place to ensure the safety of their families and the public.
However, as time passes and things slowly start to resemble more normality, it’s natural that many businesses will let some aspects of their Covid safe rules slip. However, this will be the time to maintain your policies, particularly in areas such as collecting Test and Trace details which will likely still be a legal requirement, maintaining social distancing rules and encouraging the wearing of facemasks.
Don’t let the local councils or the police have any reason to close your fair.
Speak to your broker
From an insurance perspective, if you have any questions about your policy and what it covers you for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Oliver or John at Acer Insurance Services. We’re here when you need us to offer support and advice on the ongoing pandemic, whether you are a customer or not!
We can also advise you on any additional cover you may need; for example, if you get the opportunity to open quickly and urgently need public liability or equipment insurance, we can normally provide policy documentation the same day to satisfy your lessee.
