Looking Back & Facing Forward: Making Winter Work for You

By Patricia Colden, Managing Director at Colden HR (NCASS HR Partner)

As the busy summer season fades in our memories, and the chill of autumn/winter sets in, many in the hospitality and street food industry experience a natural and sometimes welcome pause in the business. Fewer festivals, quieter footfall and shorter days can make it tempting to take a breather and rightly so, but this seasonal slowdown also presents one of the best opportunities to strengthen your business from the inside out.

At Colden HR, we encourage NCASS members to see winter as a chance to reflect, reset and prepare. Below are some hints and tips you can apply to your business;

1️⃣ Review your year and your people

Take stock of what’s worked well and where the pressure points have been. Did your team have the support they needed? Were there any tricky employee relations issues or moments when communication could have been clearer? Use this time to review contracts, policies and procedures so you’re starting 2026 fully compliant and confident. It’s also a great opportunity to check training records, refresh handbooks and schedule appraisals or catch-ups.

2️⃣ Fill your 2026 diary with purpose

Before the next busy season hits, think strategically about resourcing. Identify your top performers and secure their commitment for 2026 now, as nothing builds loyalty like early clarity. If you rely on seasonal staff, consider creating a simple onboarding pack or training checklist to make re-recruitment efficient and smoother next year.

3️⃣ Invest in development during the downtime

Winter months are perfect for upskilling or refreshing compliance knowledge. From handling conflict and managing absence to understanding changes in employment law, targeted training can save headaches (and money) later on.

4️⃣ Plan ahead, stay compliant

With more employment law changes on the horizon in 2026 and beyond, now’s the time to make sure your policies and processes reflect the latest legislation, particularly around fair treatment, zero hours contracts, predictable working hours and preventing workplace harassment.

✨ The Takeaway!

Winter doesn’t have to be downtime; it can be growth time. A little planning now sets you up for a smoother, stronger and more successful 2026 season.

If you’d like support reviewing your people processes, contracts or training plans, the Colden HR team is here to help.

📩 Please get in touch with Patricia Colden, your NCASS HR Partner, for expert, practical advice that keeps your business compliant [email protected]