Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned Australians to prepare for a coronavirus “pandemic” as the government implements its emergency response plan.
Small businesses also need to have a plan to deal with the fallout from the virus which includes a drop in customer and sales numbers, disruption to supply chains and ultimately cash flow shortages.
Here are 10 tips to manage the risks of the virus:
1. Understand your supply chains – many business owners may not realise that their product or service relies on parts or components from China, so understanding your supply chain is a critical step.
2. Explore alternative supply chains – If your business relies on a supplier from an affected region in China, now is the time to seek alternative suppliers.
3. Develop a contingency plan
- have a plan to deal with disruptions to the supply of your products and services
- you may need to scale back production for some parts and stock
- rethink your marketing strategy and how you can change customer behaviour until the crisis passes
- consider ways to diversify your customer base particularly where you reply on customers from China and other countries most affected by the virus. For example if you are in the tourism and hospitality industry consider promoting your products and services within Australia.
4. Review cash flow budgets – you need to know in advance what impact a slowdown will have on cash flow. For example, review and adjust your cash flow forecasts to determine what affect a reduction in sales will have on your ability to pay suppliers and repay debt.
5. Timely financial reporting – ensure that your financials are kept up-to-date so that you monitor profitability, stock levels, and debtors and creditors balances on a timely basis.
6. Communicate with all key stakeholders
- timely and honest communication with your customers and suppliers is important
- customers need to be made aware of any issues with the delivery of your products and services and what contingency plans you have in place
- renegotiate payment terms with suppliers if necessary and talk to your bank if you are unable to meet your loan commitments
- review your debtors and if necessary offer discounts for early payment
- seek extensions from your landlord if unable to pay the rent on time
- enter into payment plans with the ATO for BAS and tax debts.
7. Review business continuity insurance – check with your broker or insurance company if you can make a claim on your business continuity policy for any financial losses suffered.
8. Train staff – in case of prolonged staff absences, cross-train your key staff so that your business can continue to function at all times.
9. Slash overheads – Look at all the costs of your business and reduce discretionary and non-essential expenses. Fixed costs such as wages, rent, utilities, financing costs and tax liabilities are not affected by a decline in sales and need to be properly managed.
10. Seek professional advice today – It’s very important for small businesses already impacted, or likely to be impacted by the Coronavirus, to seek timely professional advice – don’t sit back and hope this will all go away soon!
