We’re here to help
(Published 31/3/2020)
As we continue to digest the constant news flow of COVID-19, we wanted to reach out to everyone across the dental community to see if anyone needs any dental business help or assistance. There could be many dental practice owners, or indeed business owners, who are having to face the current situation on their own and make business decisions of the like that they have never experienced before.
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we are lucky to have a strong management team, who are remaining in constant contact and communication as we navigate the coming weeks. What we do know is that despite facing unusual times, and entering unknown territory, we must remain positive as it will pass.
We’re in this together, so if you need any dental business help and advice, our team is ready and able to assist you in these fast-changing challenging times.
What we have learnt from the past week or so….
- Communication is vital
We are all in this together so remember, you will not get through this crisis alone.
Now more than ever you will need to lead from the front and rally your team behind you. They may be scared (as might you be) but together you will need to work smartly and prepare for the weeks ahead.
You may have had to have some difficult conversations with members of your team regarding pay, requesting for some to take unpaid leave, or access the government Job Retention Scheme. We appreciate this isn’t easy for any business owner, us alike, but by showing commitment to your team during these uncertain times, will without doubt ensure team loyalty once we come through this.
Communication is vital so speak to your team as often as is possible and offer opportunities to air any concerns and problems. You might just be surprised how supportive everyone is.
- Thirst for Information
Across the Frank Taylor & Associates group we have access to specialist teams that can answer most of your burning questions. If they are about employment and HR issues then FTA Law can help, and have a specialist service to guide practice owners through this difficult time. Details of the Oracle Covid-19 Support Package can be found here.
If you have concerns about finance then the team at FTA Finance are experts in this field and keeping close to the ever changing position through their network of banking contacts.
FTA Wealth are reassuring our clients about their investments and ensuring they are adequately protected with the necessary insurance and protection products.
FTA Recruitment are busy providing cover for clients who require emergency cover and still have access to available candidates.
- Cash is King
On the assumption your business has to close for an extended period of time your cash flow will be greatly impacted. You will need to continue to pay your team (see above for your options and the team at FTA Law are experts in this field) and will have overheads that need paying.
If you don’t have sufficient funds to see you through the months ahead there are options available and it is better to seek that assistance now rather than wait until it is critical.
The expert team at FTA Finance have over 20+ years’ experience in the dental sector and are currently offering their help and support free of charge to any dental professionals/business owners looking for impartial guidance and support. The team has a good network of contacts at the key banks and lending providers, so it’s worth a conversation with them if you want to ensure your business stays on the right track. They can be contacted on 0330 088 1157 or email [email protected]
- Keep in touch
Communicate, communicate and communicate with your patients – this could be via email, updating your website homepage or social media. Your patients will want to know what is happening and whether you are open for business and if you are taking all the necessary precautions.
Make sure your patients are aware that you are following all the relevant control guidelines from Public Health England.
The BDA have provided some useful guidance that is worth taking a few minutes to read: https://www.bda.org/advice/Coronavirus/Pages/faqs.aspx
- Stay Visible
An interesting question being asked by many at the present time is “should you cut your marketing budget?”
That’s a difficult decision and ideally you will maintain your marketing, perhaps on a reduced budget, so you stay visible. With practices around the UK forced to shut their doors to any incoming patients, more and more people (i.e. patients and potential patients) are at home, using the internet and social media, so you could be justified in continuing with your marketing spend. The more current and potential patients see your marketing, when they are ready, they are likely to come to your practice. What’s more, whilst others could be cutting back, your business will be seen more.
It is important during this time to be sensitive about the messages you are putting out as they need to be understanding of the current situation.
Open for business as usual
At Frank Taylor & Associates serving our clients is the most important thing we do, and their health and well-being is the top priority for us. As Covid-19 is impacting our daily lives we wanted to reassure the dental profession that we are open for business and will continue to deliver our range of services.
Where our services require a physical visit, to provide a valuation for example, we are currently offering the option of a ‘virtual’ visit by way of a video or telephone call rather than a practice visit.
All our other services will continue to be delivered and available to clients as usual.
We are well set up to keep in touch in whichever way you prefer – online, telephone, email, social media, WhatsApp, or video call.
Please know that we are committed to taking every measure possible to keep our clients and team safe and healthy.
Remember, we are in this together.
