Is your business ready to go viral? The financial risks (and rewards) of sudden success
The annual search for the UK’s most amusingly named small business is back, with entries flooding in for Simply Business’s £2,500 prize.
Past contenders such as Lord of the Bins, Sweeping Beauty, and Surelock Homes have shown how a witty name can capture the public’s imagination, and in some cases, draw national attention.
While humour and creativity can drive people to your door, they can also open the floodgates.
What happens when a clever business name or viral moment leads to a sudden surge in demand?
Every business owner hopes to be noticed, but few are fully prepared for what comes next.
While exposure can bring more customers, it also brings operational pressures, financial strain, and decisions that need to be made quickly and with care.
A sudden spike in demand is not always a blessing
Businesses that go viral often experience a short-term boost in revenue.
However, without the right foundations in place, that boost can quickly become overwhelming.
Stock shortages, delays in fulfilment, and customer service issues can follow. In turn, this can affect your reputation just as quickly as it was enhanced.
More orders usually mean more outgoings. You may need to buy materials in larger quantities, invest in packaging, or hire temporary staff.
These are upfront costs that need to be managed carefully.
If your payment terms with customers are slow but your suppliers need paying immediately, you could find yourself short of working capital at exactly the wrong moment.
Planning for demand before it arrives
Good financial planning is what turns exposure into sustained growth.
If you are promoting your business through social media or PR, it is sensible to have a contingency plan in place in case a campaign takes off.
This plan might include:
- Checking your cash reserves and considering access to short-term finance
- Examining your VAT registration threshold and ensuring you are prepared if you exceed it
- Ensuring your bookkeeping is up to date, so you can track how quickly your costs are rising
- Planning your pricing strategy carefully, including how you manage discounts or promotions
Scaling without slipping
Growth, naturally, means serving more customers. It also requires you to maintain the same level of quality, accuracy, and compliance.
This is where we can offer support beyond the numbers. We can help you stress test your financial model, identify pinch points, and build scenarios that prepare you for different outcomes.
If your turnover increases suddenly, there may be tax implications.
You may need to consider registering for VAT sooner than expected, or review your company structure to ensure it remains tax efficient.
Viral moments are brief. Planning gives them longevity
Being in the spotlight is a valuable opportunity, but it only becomes long-term success if you can manage it with care.
A creative name or an attention-grabbing post may be what gets people through the door, but it is your ability to serve them well and keep your finances under control that will keep them coming back.
As the competition shows, standing out is often about personality, but staying in business is always about preparation.
A memorable name might win you a prize, but sound financial planning is what builds a business that lasts.
If you think your business could benefit from a financial health check or planning support, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact us today.
