Now is the Winter of our discontent” proclaimed Richard III in his opening speeach of the Shakespeare play but what do you think? Are you looking at a winter of content or discontent for your business?

Stocking up firewood got me thinking. I wonder how many businesses are equipped and ready for winter? My guess is not many. 20% at most if businesses with up to date business plans are anything to go by.

According to Grant Thornton New Zealand it could be a long, hard winter for some businesses. Trevor Thornton said Australian banks were starting to stop supporting small businesses who they’d “nursed for a couple of years”. “It would seem only a matter of time before banks on this side of the Tasman start to lose patience with companies that have not been able to effectively rehabilitate themselves,” Mr Thornton said. There had been a lag, with some businesses not yet suffering the full effects of the recession, and this could see the number of insolvencies and receiverships grow unless they took remedial action, he said. Bankers he had spoken to in New Zealand had voiced their frustration that businesses were not changing their models to fit the still tough post-recession period.

The sunny, summer months might have been good for sales but unless you sell heat pumps, insulation or even firewood you could be in for a long, hard winter.

So what can you do about it? How about a Seasonal Adjustment Plan?

Take bars as an example. Whilst some might be pumping in summer, they might be down in winter but shouldn’t they be getting it right all year round (e.g. Tasting Rooms in Wellington)? Should weather make a difference or do you leave it in the hands of the weather Gods? If bars or pubs have a great clientele they could offer relevant promotions to fit the seasons. How about themed summer nights (Pimms, Gin) or mid winter parties?

But it’s not just about winter. What about cinemas in summer? Who wants to be inside on a hot, sunny day? How about taking the cinema outdoors to the people, parks or botanical gardens? Or how about cinema re-creating your warm, cosy living room with a wood fire, bean bags and sofas in winter to beat the others?

We all know winter’s coming. It happens each year so it’s no surprise so why don’t we plan ahead for it then? If you do you’ll be glad you did – as well as your bank and accountant (and if you’re still struggling you can always talk to us about creating a Seasonal Adjustment Plan specifically designed for you : ).