{"id":145,"date":"2020-12-10T14:40:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T14:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/about-us\/press-releases\/businesses-need-sucessful-christmas-trading\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T15:03:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T15:03:12","slug":"businesses-need-sucessful-christmas-trading","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/about-us\/press-releases\/businesses-need-sucessful-christmas-trading\/","title":{"rendered":"Local shops &amp; businesses on a &#8216;cliff edge&#8217; as one in 10 face permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-no-margin hero-bg has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--150);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--150);background-image:url(&apos;https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/simply-business-uk\/assets\/images\/faq-bg.png&apos;);background-size:cover;\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-azure-700-color has-text-color has-link-color has-max-huge-font-size wp-elements-01b9d00ecdec40e3c94bca9b34ca6bcc\">Local shops &amp; businesses on a &#8216;cliff edge&#8217; as one in 10 face permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local shops &amp; businesses on a &#8216;cliff edge&#8217; as one in 10 face permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">A new report reveals local shops and businesses are on a \u2018cliff edge\u2019 with one in 10 (11%) facing permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Local businesses, including shops, pubs and cafes, expect to take \u00a32,164 less than usual this festive season. Almost one in 10 (9%) expect to take between \u00a33,000-\u00a35,000 less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">The Christmas period usually accounts for 28% of annual takings on average and the most recent national lockdown has left many local business owners feeling underprepared<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Overall there is a severe lack of confidence among local shop and business owners with over two thirds (69%) not confident about the future of their business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">With many fearing closure, 99% of local shops and businesses say it\u2019s important for people to shop locally and support small businesses this Christmas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local shops and businesses are on a \u2018cliff edge\u2019 with one in 10 (11%) facing permanent closure without a successful trading period this Christmas, according to new research by small business insurer Simply Business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply Business spoke to 230 local shop and business owners and found that a tenth (11%) will be forced to close permanently if they don\u2019t bring in enough money this December, a further 14% would have to shut temporarily and 15% would need to consider other forms of employment. A third (32%) would need to put business plans on hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local shops and businesses, including pubs, cafes, retailers, market stalls and hairdressers, are expecting to bring in less money than usual this Christmas. On average, local business owners estimate they\u2019ll take \u00a32,164 less than usual this festive season, with one in 10 (9%) even expecting to take between \u00a33,000-\u00a35,000 less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study found that the Christmas period accounts for 28% of a local business\u2019s annual takings on average, but for well over a tenth (14%) it can account for between 31- 40%. For almost one in 10 (8%), the festive period usually accounts for a whopping 61-70% of annual takings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With many facing closure, money was found to be the greatest worry felt by local shop owners and local businesses, with three quarters (75%) reporting it as their biggest fear going into the festive period. Half (50%) are also worried about future lockdowns and being able to reopen and well over a tenth (13%) are concerned about being able to keep employees on after Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Overall confidence levels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, the study found local shop and business owners are severely lacking in confidence, with over two thirds (69%) not confident about the future of their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite government support, confidence levels also worsen the stricter the tier their local area is placed within. Over three quarters (77%) of local shops and businesses placed in Tier 3 restrictions don\u2019t feel confident about the future of their business, compared to 57% of those placed in Tier 2, and a quarter (24%) of those in Tier 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this in mind, 99% of local shops and businesses say it\u2019s important for people to shop locally and support small businesses when shopping for gifts this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Underprepared<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most recent national lockdown has left many local shop and business owners feeling underprepared for the Christmas shopping season. Over half (54%) have been unable to plan or budget due to the uncertainty, well over two fifths (46%) have been unable to attract or market to new customers, and almost one third (28%) have been unable to order stock. Over a tenth (12%) have also been unable to hire extra staff to help with the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, businesses have had to pivot and make changes to help them better prepare for Christmas. Almost a third (28%) have increased their advertising, a fifth (18%) have set up an online delivery service and well over a tenth (14%) have set up an online store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A further 13% of SMEs are now offering take away services and one in 10 (11%) are offering click and collect services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, commented:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cSmall business owners have been hit harder than most in this most challenging of years. The impact Covid-19 has had on their livelihoods and wellbeing is huge, and December is shaping up to be another difficult month.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cFor many small businesses, the festive period is crucial to their annual takings \u2013 and with the frightening prospect of a quieter-than-usual December, one in 10 are on a cliff edge with permanent closure a real possibility.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAs we\u2019ve seen on countless occasions throughout Covid-19, the self-employed are resilient, resourceful and innovative, and it\u2019s encouraging to see many adapt their offering to help their chances \u2013 from offering takeaway services, to building online stores. But it\u2019s clear that these steps can only go so far, and our research shows that success will be heavily linked to local restrictions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of Britain, and now more than ever it\u2019s crucial we support them \u2013 by shopping with small and local businesses whenever we get the chance. With high streets officially reopening in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas, this is a great opportunity for people to help support local communities. For those in Tier 3, using take-away services, small online businesses, and other safe delivery options can go a long way in supporting the self-employed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">-Ends-<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Methodology: Data: Survey of 229 small business owners from across the UK, conducted December 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Survey respondents included small business owners from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cafes, coffee shops and bakeries<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Markets, craft stall owners<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pubs and bars<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online retailers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High street shops Fast food shops and takeaways<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For further information, please contact:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frank PR<br><a href=\"mailto:SimplyBusiness@welcometofrank.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SimplyBusiness@welcometofrank.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-block\">About Simply Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__http:\/simplybusiness.co.uk__;!!N96JrnIq8IfO5w!hIDMrGse3KHfJu5_CiqiOsFWnj8k1HROe8Oqz7zCb7P2qVQXkH81IbN1SpIhNqbbhmdQrc22NsXe3U9O5ajDdkHOTa_CgxPfLGQ$\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Simply Business<\/a>\u202fis one of the UK\u2019s biggest business insurance providers, specialising in public liability insurance for small and midsize enterprises. Launched in 2005, Simply Business provides an online brokerage service, delivering policies tailored to individual business requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the power of tech and data to create the best possible customer experiences, Simply Business employs over 1,200 people across offices in London and Northampton, UK; and in Boston, Massachusetts; and Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S. Owing to the insurance provider\u2019s internal underwriting capability and expert panel of insurers, Simply Business can cover over 1,200 trade types \u2013 ranging from plumbers to accountants to dog walkers.\u202fIts UK brand campaign \u2013 \u2018<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/campaign\/small-businesses-deserve-our-best\/__;!!N96JrnIq8IfO5w!hIDMrGse3KHfJu5_CiqiOsFWnj8k1HROe8Oqz7zCb7P2qVQXkH81IbN1SpIhNqbbhmdQrc22NsXe3U9O5ajDdkHOTa_CxklTDMU$\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Simply The Best<\/a>\u2019 \u2013 aims to help UK small businesses feel \u2018the best\u2019 about their business insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-800-color has-cyan-100-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-101cbde2ee0c57c7d6d0d48cbb8134b8 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We create this content for general information purposes and it should not be taken as advice. 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businesses on a &#8216;cliff edge&#8217; as one in 10 face permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period Local shops &amp; businesses on a &#8216;cliff edge&#8217; as one in 10 face permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period Local shops and businesses are on a \u2018cliff edge\u2019 with one in 10 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":28050,"parent":131,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_faq_schema":"","sb_phone":"","sb_header_url_text":"","sb_secondary_logo":0,"sb_secondary_logo_url":"","sb_show_primary_cta":true,"sb_primary_cta_text":"","sb_primary_cta_url":"","sb_show_secondary_cta":true,"sb_secondary_cta_text":"","sb_secondary_cta_url":"","sb_show_contact_cta":true,"sb_contact_cta_id":"","sb_primary_cta_id":"","sb_secondary_cta_id":"","sb_no_sticky_header":false,"sb_show_last_updated_date":"","sb_enable_replacement_text":false,"sb_replacement_h1":"","_sb_hreflang_stale":false,"footnotes":""},"hidden-category":[],"import-page-type":[],"coauthors":[50],"class_list":["post-145","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Business closures without a successful Christmas trading period<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A new report reveals local shops and businesses are on a \u2018cliff edge\u2019 with one in 10 facing permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/about-us\/press-releases\/businesses-need-sucessful-christmas-trading\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Business closures without a successful Christmas trading period\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A new report reveals local shops and businesses are on a \u2018cliff edge\u2019 with one in 10 facing permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/about-us\/press-releases\/businesses-need-sucessful-christmas-trading\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-17T15:03:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/sb-opengraph.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Local shops &amp; 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