FIRMS in the North-East may be in for a lean Christmas, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
It has warned companies about invoice payments being disrupted by staff holidays and mail delayed by a backlog in the postal service.
John Wright, FSB national councillor for the North-East, appealed to all firms to spare a seasonal thought for their creditors and to sign their cheques as well as their Christmas cards.
He said: "Christmas can be a boom time for small businesses. Spending and trade increases, but in some cases it is not uncommon for firms to wait three months for payment."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article