Don’t be a Grinch

WITH just over five weeks to go until Christmas, the decorations are up, the plum puddings have hit the supermarket shelves, the letterbox is starting to see a trickle of Christmas catalogues and, yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Apart from the festive lighting and glitter, Christmas also makes me think about those less fortunate and what role small business can — and I believe should — have in showing some heart and genuine community support.

So why should small businesses think about supporting a charity at Christmas?

Because giving back to the community is not only good for the soul, it can also be good for the bottom line.

It shows your business is aware of the community you operate in and, put simply, that you care.

In corporate speak, you can “improve brand social equity”, which will potentially grow sales and increase your profile. Less corporate, and being involved in charitable support enables you to connect people, attract and retain great talent, and deliver tangible social impact in the communities where we live and do business.

One factor to think about is the rise of the millennial and the number of them that you either have — or will have — involved in your business.

It seems millennials are