Small businesses seek personal touch from Santa!

Small businesses can capitalise on Christmas because they are better than larger companies when it comes to wooing their biggest customers with gifts, Royal Mail research has revealed.

Almost one third (28%) of larger companies only receive a gift from suppliers once a year but 58% of those surveyed feel that small businesses are better at thinking through their gift selection and are more personal.

By focusing on putting thought rather than a lot of money into their Christmas presents to their customers this year, small businesses have a good opportunity to impress. Firms who are creative about their presents are also more likely to surprise and delight their customers.

One in three (34%) respondents said they would feel that their business was really important to a supplier if it sent a personal package containing a gift specifically designed with them in mind.

Interestingly, 82% of leaders of larger firms would actually prefer a gift that is for the business, rather than specifically for them.

Tim Rivett, Head of Small Business at Royal Mail, commented: "Clearly small businesses need to work hard all year round to ensure they retain contracts with larger firms.

"A key part of keeping hold of business is to get to know customers at a person level, and talking to them as an individual is a very simple and effective way to tell customers that their business is important. Christmas is a great time to do this. Our research shows that there is plenty of opportunity for small firms to carry on working on their business relationships."