Uncertainty Weighing on Business Recovery

The regions peak business organisation Business Hunter is concerned the latest update from the NSW Government around whether Hunter region restrictions will lift or be extended has further fuelled business uncertainty.

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“The deferral of providing clear advice regarding the lockdown means businesses are less able to focus their concerns on things they can control and there is now growing anxiety over issues that businesses can’t control,” said Business Hunter CEO, Bob Hawes.

“Business wants to be able submit orders, renew staff rosters, pivot the business to the restrictions; and making decisions that will keep their business afloat. They can’t do this under the cloud of ‘what will the advice tell us’; when will things return to normal and at what increment; what the vaccination uptake is and how to protect their businesses from a lack of compliance by individuals still breaching orders.

“People breaking the rules need to be acutely aware that their actions pose unnecessary risk to businesses and communities and the consequences should be absolutely clear.

“I don’t see any issue with places of business reporting breaches in movement in our regions because some people are putting our community at risk.

The Hunter region is experiencing business hardship in accommodation and tourism services, personal care services, entertainment and the arts sectors – with comprehensive closures across these industries. There is enduring concern some of these closures will be permanent.

Business Hunter is also encouraging businesses and the workforce still operational to consider supporting regional businesses facing the toughest situations posed by the closures across the Hunter.

“Now more than ever, if you are still drawing a wage and can manage to support local businesses, we encourage you to do that,” Mr Hawes said.

“Choose the local grocer, butcher, fruit shop. Opt for online shopping options through local retail vendors who offer click and collect, take up vouchers with your goods and service providers that can be used when things open up again.

“While things are uncertain right now, we encourage support for local businesses, so we are in a strong position to recover our economy as soon as restrictions lift,” Mr Hawes said.

Business Hunter urged patience and perseverance with the business support payments and grants and understands the NSW Government is working to resolve all outstanding applications and enquiries for these services by the end of next week.