As winter arrives, most business owners are ready for the usual challenges — freezing temperatures, difficult travel conditions and the occasional burst pipe. But December brings a very different set of risks that many overlook. While the weather plays its part, winter itself creates pressures that can disrupt operations, reduce productivity and increase the likelihood of claims.
At Baldersons Insurance, we work closely with businesses across South Yorkshire who see these risks surface every year. Here are the key winter challenges you should prepare for — and how the right planning and insurance cover can help.
1. Seasonal Staffing Strains & Sickness Peaks
December is one of the hardest months to maintain reliable staffing levels. Annual leave, family commitments and winter illness collide all at once.
Why it matters
- Increased sickness absence impacts customer service and deadlines.
- Temporary or inexperienced staff increase risk of accidents, mistakes or compliance issues.
- Businesses often overlook the insurance implications of seasonal or agency staff.
How to stay protected
- Ensure Employers’ Liability covers temporary, casual or seasonal workers.
- Review your Health & Safety procedures and provide brief, focused training for short-term staff.
- Consider Business Interruption extensions that support loss of productivity.
2. Cyber Fraud Spikes During December
Criminals know businesses are busy, understaffed and distracted in December — which is why phishing and payment-fraud attempts rise sharply this month.
Common December cyber scams
- Fake payment requests impersonating suppliers.
- Fake parcel delivery notifications targeting company inboxes.
- Ransomware disguised as “Christmas promotions” or e-cards.
How insurance supports you
Cyber insurance can provide:
- Immediate support from technical recovery teams
- Assistance restoring systems and data
- Cover for financial losses from fraud or business downtime
- Legal and regulatory support if customer data is compromised
3. Winter Supply Chain Delays
From transport disruptions to seasonal demand surges, December is the most unpredictable month for supply chains.
Risks to be aware of
- Failed deliveries impacting your ability to trade
- Delays that increase customer complaints or refunds
- Shortages of critical parts or stock
Insurance considerations
Goods in Transit, Stock and Business Interruption cover can all play a role in protecting against delays, shortages or damage during transportation.
4. Rising Winter Energy Costs
Businesses often see energy use spike in December — heating, lighting and extended hours all add up.
Why it matters for insurance
Higher energy usage can increase fire risk, especially in older buildings or those operating seasonal equipment or heating.
Practical steps
- Conduct an electrical and heating safety check.
- Keep portable heaters out of storage areas.
- Ensure your insurance sums insured reflect current stock and equipment levels (especially if increased for the Christmas period).
5. Review Your Cover Before the New Year
December is the perfect time for a quick insurance review — before upcoming changes in trading levels, staffing or stock levels in January.
Baldersons can help ensure:
- Your sum insured is accurate
- Seasonal stock fluctuations are covered
- Cyber risks are accounted for
- Temporary staff are correctly included
- Any new equipment or vehicles are listed
Winter brings far more than cold weather — it brings operational, financial and staffing pressures that can catch businesses off-guard. With the right preparation and the right insurance in place, you can keep everything running smoothly throughout December and beyond.
If you’d like Baldersons to review your business cover before the New Year, we’re always here to help.
