Another week of more uncertainties and turmoil. You'd think we'd be used it by now after all that's been thrown at us this year - but I'm sure it still gave us all pause for thought.

After the comparative calm of the summer months which many were fortunate enough to enjoy, we're now moving into a period which if we're being honest, was always going to prove challenging. 

It would be interesting to hear from any readers whose businesses are located within the areas deemed to be in high or very high risk locations. I realise the classifications have only been imposed this week, but has anyone noticed any immediate effect on business? Has footfall dropped or indeed hits to your website increased? Or are you expecting to perhaps notice some discernable impact over the coming weeks or months? Please let us know in the comments below.

What is important to remember throughout all of this, is that help and advice is available to assist your company during these trying times. 

Today for example, our SME Digest editor, Adam Bernstein, in his regular Business Support piece, kindly sponsored by Kramp, considers the government's new Job Support Scheme. Brought in to follow on from the end of furlough, Adam looks at the details of the new system as we understand them so far and how they might benefit dealers. An enlightening read, Adam talks of how the JSS could potentially force employers’ hands since they’ll now have to consider the ongoing viability of staff roles. Some may have to face up to the very real prospect of redundancies, whilst others may benefit and be able to hang on to employees who might otherwise been let go.

There's more business advice to come from Adam as well in the next edition of Service Dealer magazine. Included in the forthcoming issue, which is at the printers as we speak, is a special supplement mag again sponsored by Kramp, offering insight on several areas of the business which might hopefully help you navigate the year ahead.

There are features on engaging with your local community; how to keep a customer for life; increasing profitability; and how to disarm an angry customer amongst others.

If any of these pieces can offer a spark of inspiration or set off an idea regarding something you might try in your own way in your own dealership, the supplement will have served its purpose. Because every small business is different - there's no one-size-fits-all solution for any of this. However, if there are tools and sources of inspiration at hand which can set someone off down a useful path - that's about the best we can hope for.

Other tools at hand of course, include the recently launched Dealer Digital Toolkit. We've heard so many times during the course of this year just how vital digital resources have been for dealers - both in terms of actual selling, but perhaps more importantly, in keeping their profile at the forefront of the minds of their local community.

The free Toolkit, which we know many of our readers have utilised to great benefit (199 at last count apparently!), offers suggestions but never lectures on how you might up your digital marketing game. There's content in there for both those experienced in the field or for those coming at it from a novice position.

There are other tools available to help in these strange times too. Garden Trader, the website with the sole purpose of putting independent dealers in front of customers who are on the cusp of making a purchase, continues to go from strength to strength. The site acts as another tool in the dealers' armoury that can be used to wrench back sales from the giant multiples and online-only retailers. It sends your way those customers who are searching online and who may not know that such things as outdoor powered machinery experts even exist!

I've been told that this year to date, Garden Trader has experienced over 100,000 customer visits to the site - adding up to a quarter of a million page-views! Each dealer has been delivered an average of 165 customers to their exclusive dealership page and research conducted this year by the organisers of the site showed that just under 80% intended to visit the dealership for their purchase. Handily, the site also features a dealer-only forum, allowing peers to discuss any issues they may be experiencing away from the prying eyes of suppliers!

Also we shouldn't forget all the work which BAGMA of course do for dealers. Amongst all their regular services, they have really been there for the network this year with their online Coronavirus Hub. This resource is regularly updated with a myriad of helpful and up-to-date information.

So whilst circumstances have been undeniably tough, and will of course continue to be so as we move though 2021, it should always be remembered that there is help and assistance available. Help from colleagues within your own business, from your suppliers, from your peers, trade associations and industry journals.

You're not alone.