Financial planning for the low season in the high season

As a landscaping business owner, you know that the high season is your bread and butter. The sun is shining, lawns need mowing, and gardens need tending. But what happens when the leaves fall, the temperatures drop, and your services are no longer in high demand?

Planning for the low season during the busy months is essential to ensure your business remains afloat throughout the year. Accredited Supplier Sones Accountancy Services highlight how to do it with effective forecasting and budgeting strategies:

1. Know Your Numbers: The Foundation of Financial Planning

First things first, you need to understand your financial situation. Take a close look at your income and expenses from previous seasons. How much do you make during the high season? What are your biggest costs? This historical data is the foundation of your financial planning.

Think of numbers as you would your garden, with regular maintenance you can keep everything in order, but neglect it and it can lead to chaos.

2. Forecasting: Predicting the Future

Forecasting isn’t about crystal balls and tarot cards; it’s about using data to make educated guesses about the future. Here’s how to do it:

• Review past performance:  Look at your earnings and expenses from previous years. Identify patterns and trends. For example, if you made £100,000 last summer, it’s reasonable to expect a similar figure this year.
• Account for variables:  Consider factors that could impact your income, such as economic conditions, new competitors, or changes in your service area. Be realistic and conservative in your estimates.
• Plan for worst case scenarios:  Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. What if a rainy season cuts into your high season profits? Having a contingency plan can save your business from financial stress.

3. Budgeting: A Roadmap for Your Finances

Once you have your forecast, it’s time to create a budget. Follow this roadmap to guide your spending and ensure you’re prepared for the low season:

• Separate needs from wants: Focus on essential expenses first such as payroll, rent, and equipment maintenance. Luxuries like a new office coffee machine can wait.
• Allocate funds for the low season: Set aside a portion of your high season profits to cover low season expenses. This ‘squirrel fund’ will help you weather the slow months without stress.
• Cut unnecessary costs: Review your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Can you negotiate better rates with suppliers? Can you reduce energy costs by turning off equipment when not in use?

4. Diversify Your Services: Keep the Cash Flowing

One way to mitigate the impact of the low season is to diversify your services. Consider offering:

• Winter services: Snow removal, holiday light installation, and winterising gardens can provide off-season income.
• Indoor projects: Offer design consultations, indoor plant maintenance, or garden planning services for the upcoming spring.
• Maintenance contracts: Secure year-round contracts with clients for regular maintenance. This ensures a steady income even during slower months.

Think of diversifying like planting a variety of crops. If one fails, you’ve got others to rely on.

5. Monitor and Adjust: Stay on Top of Your Plan

Your financial plan isn’t set in stone. Regularly review your budget and forecast to ensure you’re on track. Make adjustments as needed based on actual performance.

Conclusion

Financial planning for the low season might not be as exciting as designing a new garden, but it’s crucial for the long term success of your landscaping business. You can ensure your business thrives throughout the year by forecasting accurately, budgeting wisely, diversifying your services, and staying flexible.  Remember, the goal is to make hay while the sun shines and save some for when it doesn’t.