After days of warnings and on-off snow flurries, the Beast from the East and Storm Emma have hit the county hard. And, thanks to those accurate forecasts, it looks like common sense has prevailed across the county.

Companies have put their contingency plans into place and taken very sensible decisions early.

Offices have closed for the day. Some companies are asking staff to work at home and some are just giving them a day off. High street stores are closed. Nearly every school and college in the county is closed. Waste collections have been called off, because who wants large lorries slipping around in the snow and ice?

As a business, it's not easy to take the decision to close for a day. But if staff can't get in and customers can't get in, it's the only sensible option. Why battle through snow, ice and congestion, putting yourself and others at risk and putting more strain on the stretched emergency services?

Stay at home, stay safe, keep warm and keep reading Punchline - we'll keep you up-to-date! (Yes, we're all working from home for the first time ever too.)

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk