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Why Your Business Should Start Planning Ahead for Christmas as Early as Possible

At Christmas businesses of all sizes face one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. 

However, the key to making the most of Christmas isn’t just about turning up on the day; it’s about planning well in advance. 

Here’s why your business should start preparing now and how you can support your customers during this crucial period.

1. Stay Ahead of the Competition

Starting your Christmas planning early gives you a competitive edge. 

While others are scrambling to finalise their strategies in November, you’ll already have your campaigns, stock, and logistics in place. 

Customers notice businesses that are organised and prepared, and they’re more likely to choose you over competitors who appear rushed or underprepared.

2. Ensure Stock Availability

Christmas is synonymous with increased demand. By planning ahead, you can forecast sales more accurately and ensure you have enough stock to meet customer needs. Avoiding last-minute shortages not only keeps customers happy but also prevents the stress and expense of expedited orders.

3. Optimise Marketing Campaigns

Effective marketing requires time to plan, create, and execute. By starting early, you can design compelling Christmas campaigns, schedule promotions, and build excitement among your audience. Whether it’s through social media, email newsletters, or in-store displays, a well-thought-out campaign will maximise your reach and impact.

4. Enhance Customer Experience

The Christmas season can be overwhelming for some of your customers. By preparing early, you can offer a smoother, more enjoyable shopping experience. This might include extended opening hours, gift-wrapping services, or personalised recommendations. When customers feel valued and cared for, they’re more likely to return and recommend your business to others. Also, remember that Neurodivergent customers (including those who are ASD) have difficulty coping with loud sounds including music. You might need to address this in your pre-season planning.

5. Manage Resources Effectively

From staffing to delivery logistics, Christmas puts extra pressure on resources. Early planning allows you to identify potential bottlenecks and address them before they become issues. This ensures your team is well-prepared and your operations run smoothly, even during peak periods.

How You Can Help Your Customers This Christmas

While planning for your business is crucial, it’s equally important to consider how you can support your customers during the festive season. Here are some ideas:

Offer Early-Bird Discounts

Encourage customers to shop early by offering special discounts or promotions. Not only does this help spread out demand, but it also allows customers to avoid the last-minute rush.

Provide Helpful Gift Guides

Create curated gift guides tailored to different audiences, such as “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” or “Top Stocking Fillers.” This makes shopping easier and more enjoyable for your customers.

Streamline Online Shopping

If you have an e-commerce platform, ensure it’s ready for increased traffic. Offer features like wish lists, quick checkouts, and reliable delivery options to enhance the online shopping experience.

Focus on Sustainability

With many customers prioritising eco-friendly choices, consider offering sustainable products and packaging. Highlight these options in your marketing to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers.

Create Memorable Experiences

Host festive events, such as Christmas markets, workshops, or charity drives, to engage with your community and create lasting memories. These experiences not only boost brand loyalty but also position your business as a central part of the holiday spirit.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a time of joy, generosity, and connection—but it’s also a time of immense opportunity for businesses. By starting your planning early, you can ensure a successful and stress-free festive season while delighting your customers in the process.

Don’t wait until the last minute; take action now and make this Christmas your best one yet!

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Trades United to Lead Second Van Rally in Westminster to Combat Tool Theft

Date: Monday, 3rd February 2025

Location: Brent Cross to Parliament Square, Westminster

Time: Starting at 11:00 AM, arriving at Parliament Square by 11:45–12:00 PM

Trades United is once again organising a van rally in Westminster (Parliament Square) to draw attention to the pervasive issue of tool theft and the resale of stolen goods. Starting from Brent Cross, tradespeople from across the UK will unite in London to demand stricter enforcement of existing theft laws, particularly concerning tool theft.

The second van rally will captivate London as tradesmen and women urge the government to address inadequate enforcement of laws that threaten the livelihoods of thousands across the UK. Following the success of the initial rally on 3rd June 2024, this demonstration aims to amplify the call for stronger deterrents against thieves and more effective measure to combat the sale of stolen tools.

Participants will stage a ‘go-slow' convoy in Westminster, driving through the area for two hours to raise awareness. The previous rally gained significant traction within the trade community, fostering partnerships with organisations like SelectaDNA and the Metropolitan Police, which have since initiated mass tool-marking events to assist in returning stolen tools to their rightful owners and convicting offenders.

Trades United, led by Shoaib Awan, previously launched a petition (#659019) in April 2024, calling for the government to address the escalating tool theft crisis by banning the sale of tools at car boots and markets. While the dissolution of Parliament on 30th May 2024 led to the petition's closure, it garnered over 46,000 signatures, reflecting the widespread concern within the trade industry. Awan continues to encourage support for this critical cause, urging MPs and their parties to prioritise this issue.

Trades United seeks to hold the government accountable for protecting tradespeople and ensuring the enforcement of laws designed to safeguard the broader community. With growing industry support, this rally aims to compel policymakers to address the root causes of tool theft and deliver the urgent reforms required.

The Theft Act 1968 clearly outlines severe penalties for handling stolen goods, including up to 14 years of imprisonment upon conviction. However, the lack of sufficient police funding and resources has hindered effective enforcement, leaving tradespeople vulnerable to escalating theft.

Trades United calls on the Government to take decisive action by: Increasing funding for law enforcement, in particular, specialist crime personnel and frontline officers, prioritising motor vehicle crimes including theft from and theft of to enable police to enforce the existing laws efficiently and effectively.

Theft Act 1968 Section 27 (3) a/b, handling stolen goods, which is currently a straight charge if there is a previous conviction for theft in the last 5 years and the accused has been found to be in possession of stolen goods in the last 12 months. This should be updated to 5 years since a previous conviction and found to have been handling stolen goods in the last 5 years to facilitate with being able to charge repeat criminals for the offences more effectively.

Revise the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to include all power tools or produce an alternative legislation to cover the theft of power tools.

Tool theft - consider the crime an aggravated offence.

Tradespeople and supporters are encouraged to participate in this critical event and make their voices heard. Together, we can advocate for the protection of livelihoods and demand meaningful change.

Founder of campaign group Trades United, Shoaib Awan, said: "On the 3rd February 2025, I will bring tradespeople across the country together once again at Parliament Square for the new Government to see the distress thieves have caused to their livelihoods. Tool theft numbers are rising year on year and not enough is being done by the Government to protect the trades. A crime reference number is not acceptable. We don’t want policies that don’t work, we need strict enforcement and a crackdown operation with immediate effect.

“It's distressing how widespread tool theft has become, impacting not only livelihoods but also mental well-being and family stability. The lack of effective intervention from law enforcement only exacerbates the problem. Businesses suffer not only from the loss of tools but also from the subsequent financial burdens such as increased insurance costs and repairs. It's essential for communities, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address this epidemic and provide support for those affected.”