The holiday period is one of the most dynamic times of the year for Australian small businesses. For some industries, such as retail, hospitality and tourism, it brings a surge in customer demand, extended trading hours and increased staffing needs. For others, operations slow down as clients, suppliers and staff take time off, creating reduced sales activity or temporary shutdowns. Regardless of your sector, the holiday season requires careful planning to manage cash flow, staffing, workload and customer expectations while maintaining a positive end-of-year momentum.
Proper preparation not only keeps your business running smoothly but also sets the foundation for a strong start to the new year. This checklist outlines the key areas SMEs should review as they enter the holiday season.
1. Review Your Cash Flow Position and Plan Ahead
Cash flow planning is critical during the holiday period. Many businesses experience fluctuations due to reduced trading days, delayed customer payments, increased annual leave payouts and the natural slowdown in invoicing cycles.
Actions to consider:
- Review cash flow forecasts for December through February
- Follow up outstanding invoices early to bring cash forward
- Encourage customers to settle payments before office closure
- Budget for wages, leave loading, superannuation and tax obligations
- Plan for reduced income if your industry typically slows over the holidays
A clear view of your cash position helps prevent unexpected shortfalls, allows for strategic spending decisions, and gives business owners peace of mind during the break.
2. Review Inventory and Stock Levels
For product-based businesses, the holiday season can be make-or-break. Retailers may see peak demand, while wholesalers and suppliers must forecast stock requirements carefully to avoid shortages or overstocking.
Key steps:
- Analyse historical sales trends
- Reorder stock early to avoid supplier delays
- Review shipping lead times and peak freight surcharges
- Conduct a quick stocktake to identify gaps
Good inventory planning helps maximise sales while avoiding unnecessary cash tied up in excess stock.
3. Refresh Business Strategy for the New Year
The quieter period around Christmas and early January is a valuable opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where the business wants to go next.
Areas to review:
- Financial performance and profitability
- Workforce planning
- Pricing, costing and margins
- Technology and system upgrades
- Goals for the next quarter or year
- Planned investments or projects
A refreshed strategy helps reset priorities and build momentum for the year ahead.
4. Prepare for Shutdown or Skeleton Staffing
If your business closes or runs reduced services, preparation ensures operations resume smoothly in the new year.
Shutdown checklist:
- Set automated email and voicemail replies
- Secure premises, lock storage areas, and check alarms
- Shut down non-essential equipment to reduce energy use
- Complete payroll, superannuation and supplier payments early
- Schedule social media posts and marketing activity in advance
- Ensure IT backups are completed and software updates are applied
A structured shutdown plan reduces risk, improves efficiency and protects your business while the team is offline.
5. Manage Holiday Marketing
The holiday season is an opportunity to stay connected with customers, acknowledge their support and maintain brand visibility.
Holiday marketing ideas:
- Schedule posts that highlight holiday hours, promotions or year-end messages
- Run a small holiday campaign or value-added offer
- Share customer appreciation messages
- Prepare January marketing activities early, before the break
Marketing during this period helps keep your business top-of-mind and supports engagement heading into the new year.
6. Communicate Holiday Trading Hours
Whether your business is closing, reducing hours or operating extended trading days, clear communication prevents confusion and ensures customers and suppliers know what to expect.
Communication checklist:
- Update trading hours on your website
- Adjust your Google Business Profile
- Share hours on social media
- Email customers with closure dates, delivery cut-offs and support information
- Notify suppliers, couriers, and partners who rely on your schedule
Proactive communication helps maintain customer trust and reduces inbound enquiries during the break.
7. Review Compliance Deadlines
The end-of-year period often overlaps with compliance obligations, and these can easily slip through the cracks if not monitored.
Key checks:
- BAS lodgement and payment deadlines
- PAYG withholding reminders
- Superannuation due dates
- Payroll reporting requirements
- Supplier invoices and documentation
Staying ahead of compliance ensures the business avoids penalties and starts the year in a strong position.
8. Confirm Staff Leave and Build a Holiday Roster
The holiday period is one of the busiest times for staff leave. Without planning, businesses can be caught short-handed or overwhelmed by last-minute requests.
Checklist for staffing:
- Approve leave requests early and fairly
- Build a roster that covers essential duties without overloading remaining staff
- Communicate office shutdown dates clearly to internal teams and clients
- Arrange temporary support or contractors if your industry requires coverage
- Ensure staff contact details and emergency procedures are up to date
Effective leave management helps avoid burnout, maintain smooth operations, and provide your team with clarity heading into the break.
Supporting SMEs Through the Holiday Season
The holiday season should be a period of rest, reflection and preparation; not stress. Hall Browns supports SMEs with forecasting, compliance, payroll, bookkeeping and advisory services to help businesses stay confident and organised before, during and after the holiday period.