Cloud computing firm Xero has revealed in its latest survey that 17% of SME business owners will work over the festive period with a similar number expecting to spend at least half a day focused on their businesses whilst others enjoy the yuletide atmosphere.
The poll, undertaken by OnePoll, does not suggest that the ‘nation of shopkeepers’ has suddenly become a ‘nation of humbugs’ however it does highlight the commitment that small business owners and their staff put in to keep ahead of the game.
Indeed for many businesses Christmas couldn’t come at a worse time with a significant majority of small firms operating to a December 31st year end meaning the festive period is simply an opportunity to undertake some much needed administration and accounting.
Xero Managing Director Gary Turner highlighted that:
“As Christmas approaches, small business owners, like anyone else, deserve a break. But these results highlight that even during a time like the festive season, it isn’t possible for most of them to switch off altogether.
“Annual leave is one of the many employee benefits that small business owners sacrifice, because it could have a detrimental impact on the bottom line”.
Understanding the need to ensure that as a business we are always available for our customers when they need us most, Business Juice remains open throughout the festive period as usual. Whilst even we, like most SMEs, respect bank holidays we know that work cannot completely stop for businesses of whatever shape and size.
To make life easier for our customers we will be open from 9.00am-5.30pm each day bar Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. After all, if you have to work, you may as well make it worth your while, not least to save on your energy bills for 2015!