How do I keep my catering staff from leaving while the business is listed?

Catering depends on a handful of people who know the kitchen, the vans and the clients. When a business is listed, they may worry about their jobs, so the best defence is to think ahead. Keep the listing confidential, limit who knows and use confidentiality terms with buyers. Rumours often start with a visitor who asks too many questions.

Next, decide what you will say if someone asks. Prepare a short, honest answer: the business may change hands, you are working to keep things steady, and you will share news as soon as you can. Do not make promises that you cannot keep. Do not deny a sale if asked directly.

Then act on what keeps people: fair scheduling, thanks, clear roles and a chance to speak. Meet your key people one at a time and ask what would make them stay. Ask your lawyer whether any written retention arrangement makes sense. Finally, bring the buyer in at the right time. Let a serious buyer meet the team once the deal is firm, so people see who is coming. Keep delivering on the small promises, such as schedules and pay dates, since staff watch those closely during a sale.

Key takeaways

• Keep the listing confidential and limit who knows.
• Prepare a short, honest answer for staff who ask.
• Meet key people one at a time and listen to what would make them stay.
• Let the buyer meet the team once the deal is firm.