Running a business is like sailing in the open waters. No matter how clear the skies are, you’re always one wave away from needing a new plan. There’s no such thing as a safe bet. The best captains don’t fear the storm; they steer right through it.
Running a business in GB isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re a GB business owner, you’ve likely weathered your share of squalls—be it supply chain bottlenecks, staffing gaps, vehicle hiccups, or the aftermath of global events. You’ve probably uncovered that the secret to staying afloat is preparing for the worst.
Here’s how you can help your business stay ready, resilient, and responsive.
Identify Your Vulnerabilities Before They Can Cost You
Like a good pilot runs a checklist before take-off, business owners should conduct regular risk assessments to identify weak spots.
Whether it’s your IT infrastructure, logistics chain, or key personnel, knowing where cracks might form allows you to plug them early. The government’s emergency planning guide is a solid place to start.
But don’t stop at logistics—look inward. As Forbes notes, resilient leaders build self-awareness to spot their own blind spots in decision-making.
Strengthen the People and Partners Around You
In a world reshaped by Brexit and global shipping chaos, resilience means flexibility. Cross-train your staff so they can cover unexpected absences. Diversify suppliers, and nurture honest, open relationships with your partners.
Build relationships with local suppliers as buffers against international delays. Most importantly, keep communication lines with your partners open. Rigid businesses crack under pressure. Resilient ones bend and pivot.
Remember: Expecting the unexpected is key to navigating complex systems. “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This quote, famously attributed to George Santayana, is extremely relevant to business leaders today.
Equip Yourself for the Bumps in the Road
Having the right tools matters—especially when time is tight. We’re talking emergency funds, data backups, and the right insurance coverage, which can keep things moving even in times of crisis.
For delivery-based businesses or those reliant on transport, vehicle issues can grind operations to a halt. That’s where temporary van insurance steps in as a game-changer.
How? It provides flexible, short-term cover that gets you back on the road fast, without the faff of long-term commitments.
Check out cost-effective transport strategies for more ways to keep your fleet resilient.
Communicate Effectively
The arrival of a sudden crisis is no time to start improvising. Prepare crisis communication strategies in advance: pre-drafted messages for customers, internal alerts for staff, and stakeholder updates ready to go. Clear communication keeps trust intact—even when things aren’t going so well.
Embrace Uncertainty as a Constant Companion
Entrepreneurs who thrive in times of chaos and uncertainty are those who lead with curiosity and courage, not just control. They trust their instincts and their data. They build for today, but plan for what might change tomorrow.
Arm yourself with foresight, flexibility, and the right tools. Whether it’s your supply chain or your van that’s gone rogue, these solutions will help you weather the unexpected, without missing a beat.
