Landscape & Urban Design Issue 69 2024 | Page 13

It ’ s wise to review previous jobs to help with these estimations and keep a close on your company finances with a dedicated business bank account , including budgeting for any necessary materials and equipment .
2 . Skipping property assessments Skipping property assessments is a significant oversight that can result in inaccurate cost estimates , a shortage of resources , missed deadlines , and potential client and revenue losses . By having an in-depth knowledge of the property , you can understand the logistics involved with completing a job and get a clearer idea of client expectations . This will give you a better chance of satisfying and retaining the client , as well as securing more business through positive reviews .
3 . Neglecting equipment maintenance Due to the nature of their role , landscapers and gardeners often rely on equipment like excavators and chainsaws on a daily basis . Not maintaining these vital pieces of equipment properly can result in booking losses and , therefore , revenue .
Monitor equipment closely and complete regular maintenance to minimise the risk of tools breaking ,
needing to be replaced , causing injury , or disrupting your schedule of work .
4 . Ignoring safety protocols Workers in this sector often wield equipment that can cause serious harm , so adhering to strict safety protocols is vital to ensuring the safety of both themselves and those around them .
Failing to do so can lead to injuries and time off work , resulting in lost jobs and revenue and perhaps even a costly legal proceeding for any liability claims related to injuries .
Ensure that all staff have adequate safety training and equipment , including helmets , gloves , and boots , and that passersby are protected with barriers and warning signs to avoid potential accidents .
5 . Underestimating the weather While the weather forecast is never 100 % accurate , actively tracking it enables you to effectively plan your workload to avoid any periods when extreme weather will make getting the job done impossible .
It ’ s also wise to allow slightly more time than needed for each job in case the weather delays completion . This will avoid having a knock-on effect on other jobs and causing disgruntled customers or lost sales .
GARDEN DESIGN
Kyle Eaton , money . co . uk business bank accounts expert , comments : “ Navigating a busy period as a business owner can be overwhelming at times . To capitalise on these busy spells and avoid missing out on revenue or damaging customer relations , you must proactively plan to meet the increased demand . A busier work schedule , alongside more invoices and expenses , can be hard to keep track of and opens up the risk of making a critical error which could impact your profits .
“ Accurate money management and budgeting are key , to afford the additional expenses associated with a peak season for your respective industry , such as higher stock and staffing costs . You can do this by regularly reviewing your business bank account ahead of and throughout these busier months , including your cash reserves and expenses .
“ By taking these tips into consideration and being proactive on the financial side of things , you can propel your business forward through this lucrative period . Even if mistakes are made , by being proactive , you can handle them effectively and learn from them to be even more successful going forward - a key part of scaling a small business .”
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