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A question for all business owners!
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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How has the last few weeks been for you guys? Did you have to take any tough decisions to keep your business afloat? If so, what are those tough decisions you had to make?  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"How has the last few weeks been for you guys? Did you have to take any tough decisions to keep your business afloat? If so, what are those tough decisions you had to make? "
My staff are furloughed at the moment but I know that unfortunately I will have to make 50% of the workforce redundant once the furlough scheme dries up. The economy as a whole and my business (bar restaurant) will not return back to pre covid levels for a long time... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"How has the last few weeks been for you guys? Did you have to take any tough decisions to keep your business afloat? If so, what are those tough decisions you had to make?
My staff are furloughed at the moment but I know that unfortunately I will have to make 50% of the workforce redundant once the furlough scheme dries up. The economy as a whole and my business (bar restaurant) will not return back to pre covid levels for a long time... "
Wow. Feel for you mate! Good luck. |
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By *orny PTMan
over a year ago
Peterborough |
I am a key worker, who is not able to travel every week to my partner, who lives over an hour away from me. I am on minimum wage and I am really pleased to see be debt going down: so every cloud and all that...
So I am one of those rare people who will come out of this with less debt than before, needing a haircut and a bloody good holiday too.
I will be making up for lost time: coffee, meals out and other treats will be top priority. Spend, spend, spend as small companies will need customers coming through their doors ASAP.
Your local firm needs your custom! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"lost my business, fighting for my house, wonder how i'm going to feed myself this week"
Sorry to hear that. Is it because of covid19? Isn't there any support from the government? |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I am a key worker, who is not able to travel every week to my partner, who lives over an hour away from me. I am on minimum wage and I am really pleased to see be debt going down: so every cloud and all that...
So I am one of those rare people who will come out of this with less debt than before, needing a haircut and a bloody good holiday too.
I will be making up for lost time: coffee, meals out and other treats will be top priority. Spend, spend, spend as small companies will need customers coming through their doors ASAP.
Your local firm needs your custom!"
That is great. Unfortunately it won't be the same for the majority of the population. There will be a lot of unemployment due to smaller businesses winding up. It is going to be tough for the next couple of yrs! |
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I own my own business, I shut down services the day before boris’s announcement, I took that decision myself because I knew the service I give to my customers is “non critical”.
I’ve earned zero since then, but count myself lucky, I have minimal overheads and no staff, kim is still earning so we won’t starve.
I’m a ducker and diver so know, even if my business doesn’t recover, I’ll find another way to make a living.
Health is wealth. |
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By *lex46TV/TS
over a year ago
Near Wells |
I also run my own business. It's not an essential one but I'm allowed to to trade and I have been.
I furloghed all 3 of the the staff which they should get next week and I'm running it myself. Sales are over 70% down but as the staff are furloghed and I received a £10,000 grant last week so there should be a business for the staff to come back to.
At the beginning of this I was really worried that I would loose the business, not knowing what was going to happen next but as each day passes it just seems to get a little easier. I've had to negotiate with some suppliers about money I owe them but most have them have been ok.
Still keeping fingers crossed though. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I also run my own business. It's not an essential one but I'm allowed to to trade and I have been.
I furloghed all 3 of the the staff which they should get next week and I'm running it myself. Sales are over 70% down but as the staff are furloghed and I received a £10,000 grant last week so there should be a business for the staff to come back to.
At the beginning of this I was really worried that I would loose the business, not knowing what was going to happen next but as each day passes it just seems to get a little easier. I've had to negotiate with some suppliers about money I owe them but most have them have been ok.
Still keeping fingers crossed though. "
Understand. The cashflow is going to get tighter with the declines review. All the best!  |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
"
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on.
Fortunately we have a business that deals with importing and exporting essentials (commodities). The demand has been pretty high in the last few months. However, the cashflow has taken a major hit as businesses we supply to had their challenges. It is about balancing the support we give to our partners at the same time managing the risks.  |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on"
But better prepared and distancing , other than Auckland and maybe Wellington, Christchurch can’t see you having any problems with the disease spreading after Lockdown. Dubai is reopening sector by sector with 24hr cleansing and limited trading hours, NZ will do the same and it will be fine
Your leader did the right thing , locked down early and properly unlike the clown we have |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on
But better prepared and distancing , other than Auckland and maybe Wellington, Christchurch can’t see you having any problems with the disease spreading after Lockdown. Dubai is reopening sector by sector with 24hr cleansing and limited trading hours, NZ will do the same and it will be fine
Your leader did the right thing , locked down early and properly unlike the clown we have "
Social distancing, cleaning often, etc will be the new norm. That is going to stay for the next 12 to 18 months at least. All these will minimize the risk, but would not eliminate it.
NZ had the advantage from the learnings in Italy, Spain and UK. I believe Australia have a better balance than NZ. In NZ the medical professionals is having the quietest time ever as no one is going to hospitals or seeking any medical advice. The private hospitals and GPs are seeking govt subsidies as their revenues has gone down significantly. |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on
But better prepared and distancing , other than Auckland and maybe Wellington, Christchurch can’t see you having any problems with the disease spreading after Lockdown. Dubai is reopening sector by sector with 24hr cleansing and limited trading hours, NZ will do the same and it will be fine
Your leader did the right thing , locked down early and properly unlike the clown we have
Social distancing, cleaning often, etc will be the new norm. That is going to stay for the next 12 to 18 months at least. All these will minimize the risk, but would not eliminate it.
NZ had the advantage from the learnings in Italy, Spain and UK. I believe Australia have a better balance than NZ. In NZ the medical professionals is having the quietest time ever as no one is going to hospitals or seeking any medical advice. The private hospitals and GPs are seeking govt subsidies as their revenues has gone down significantly."
To be fair that’s the same here , we pay a fortune for BUPA and no ones using it , can’t even get to a dentist unless it’s essential work |
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By *iss.ddWoman
over a year ago
Leeds + Newcastle |
My business is still running and I've not had to furlough and I suspect I won't as we support key / frontline workers.
I've not renewed a couple of contractors, but that was going to happen regardless |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on
But better prepared and distancing , other than Auckland and maybe Wellington, Christchurch can’t see you having any problems with the disease spreading after Lockdown. Dubai is reopening sector by sector with 24hr cleansing and limited trading hours, NZ will do the same and it will be fine
Your leader did the right thing , locked down early and properly unlike the clown we have "
We also trade with couple of supermarket chain in the UAE. We have a warehouse in DMCC. Exporting commodities has taken a huge hit as Emirates has stopped flying to NZ. We are now airfrieghting through different channels and the cost of freight has quadrupled. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"How is it in Auckland OP, I used to have a business in Hamilton, which is still doing okay as it’s something kiwis will never stop doing!!!
People I know there are really worried about the future, the economy and particularly exports - but not COVID-19! .... do you share that view ?
I stopped trading in March zero revue until Aug/Sept, but no overheads or staff except immediate family and we all have other work or projects to keep busy on.
NZ is in a complete lockdown. The govt wants to completely eliminate covid19, which I think is bit too ambitious. In my view they are trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer. Lockdown is only a 'pause' button. At some point you have to 'press's play for the show to go on
But better prepared and distancing , other than Auckland and maybe Wellington, Christchurch can’t see you having any problems with the disease spreading after Lockdown. Dubai is reopening sector by sector with 24hr cleansing and limited trading hours, NZ will do the same and it will be fine
Your leader did the right thing , locked down early and properly unlike the clown we have
Social distancing, cleaning often, etc will be the new norm. That is going to stay for the next 12 to 18 months at least. All these will minimize the risk, but would not eliminate it.
NZ had the advantage from the learnings in Italy, Spain and UK. I believe Australia have a better balance than NZ. In NZ the medical professionals is having the quietest time ever as no one is going to hospitals or seeking any medical advice. The private hospitals and GPs are seeking govt subsidies as their revenues has gone down significantly.
To be fair that’s the same here , we pay a fortune for BUPA and no ones using it , can’t even get to a dentist unless it’s essential work "
Compared to NHS and key workers in the UK, NZ equivalents has had an easy ride so far! |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"My business is still running and I've not had to furlough and I suspect I won't as we support key / frontline workers.
I've not renewed a couple of contractors, but that was going to happen regardless"
That is great to hear. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I furloughed the majority of the staff. I took a number of steps a few weeks before lockdown to limit my outgoings to help ease the strain on cash flow.
I adapted our business model slightly to be more geared for online selling and although turnover is nothing like usual it’s building and we just had a fantastic week this week. So much so that I brought back a staff member and will add another next week.
The grants from government have been helpful as has the job retention scheme. When furlough ends I will have to make some staff redundant as I look to streamline until business levels are back to normality.
I’ve decided I may look to close at least one of the businesses over the next couple of years and cash out. |
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By *orny PTMan
over a year ago
Peterborough |
"I own my own business, I shut down services the day before boris’s announcement, I took that decision myself because I knew the service I give to my customers is “non critical”.
I’ve earned zero since then, but count myself lucky, I have minimal overheads and no staff, kim is still earning so we won’t starve.
I’m a ducker and diver so know, even if my business doesn’t recover, I’ll find another way to make a living.
Health is wealth. "
Good luck in getting through this. |
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"Is the ten grand a gift ...or do you have to pay it back ...is it a loan or grant ...plz"
It’s a grant.
Loan scenes have also been set up alongside this.
As a business owner it’s greatly received and much needed at this time, it will ultimately be reinvested into the company on new equipment allowing us to upscale and expand slightly
All in all a worrying time for everyone, business owners, employees, self employed, everyone |
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