Have you been wandering around in a state of blissful ignorance, winter coat still hibernating at the back of the wardrobe and your emergency snow shovel safely where you left it last year?

Records show we're experiencing a far milder Autumn than usual, but don't get too comfortable basking in the unseasonal ‘warmth'. Mother nature, fond of her balancing acts, also has a much colder winter than normal in store for December.

That false sense of security you've been nurturing over the past few months could be tumbling down around your ears within a matter of weeks, leaving you well and truly out in the cold.

Whilst that may be ok if you're only responsible for yourself, as a business owner you'll be putting a lot of other people at risk - employees and customers - by failing to prepare for the ravages of winter weather.

Closures, lack of supplies, staff shortages, building damage - the potential consequences of falling victim to a storm are both costly and dangerous. With that in mind, we've put together some practical advice on how to keep your company on track this coming season.

#1: stay aware

Weather forecasts are notoriously dodgy, and the many false warnings we've heard over the years have left us all hardened to any new predictions.

Accuracy may not be 100% but any published cautions aren't based on thin air. Pay attention to your local government and the Met Office website for developing news and announcements to stay aware of threatening conditions or storms.

Always follow the advice given and encourage your employees to do the same - if you're recommended to stay off the roads, make it your responsibility to guarantee no one's putting themselves at risk trying to get into work.

#2: building maintenance

Your building will one of the first places to suffer at the hands of high winds, freezing temperatures and snow.

Keep on top of maintenance checks and housekeeping tasks to limit the damage, paying attention to drain pipes, heating systems and the roof - any loose tiles or leaks could quickly lead to a flood.

All car parks or access roads are also your responsibility to look after. Using gritting and snow clearing services will keep visiting customers and workers safe, and allow delivery drivers to drop off your much-needed stock no matter what the weather is up to.

#3: workplace training

Cross-training is a great way of preventing weather-related absences from disrupting your business and will leave remaining staff able to cover the most important daily duties and responsibilities.

Knowing their work is being taken care of will also make employees less likely to risk driving in bad conditions, reducing stress and related accidents.

As a similar tactic, you should consider setting appropriate staff members up for remote working so those who can't travel can still work from home. With appropriate technology and equipment you won't have to watch productivity take a nosedive at the first sight of snow.

Remember, safety comes first. Follow our advice where possible but never put anyone in unnecessary danger and, if in doubt, seek professional advice to deal with building or access problems.