Buy local to support SA businesses
Business SA argues “buy local” is not just a throwaway line – but rather it is a lifeline, the only lifeline in fact which can save the State’s economy right now.
SA Business
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As more South Australian businesses prepare to re-open their registers in a few weeks’ time, the call to “buy local” is ringing louder.
This is a good thing, but “buy local” cannot just be a throwaway line.
This is not a catch cry or marketing slogan.
Business SA argues “buy local” is not just a throwaway line – but rather it is a lifeline, the only lifeline in fact which can save the State’s economy right now.
With our borders shut to the outside, and the health authorities making it very clear they have no immediate plans to change this, South Australians have no choice but to rely on each other if we are to make it to safer economic shores.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead when restrictions ease and South Australian businesses re-open their doors, it is the civic duty of South Australians to get out and support their local businesses.
Just like how we stayed home when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, South Australians can do their bit to help win the economic war.
The next one to three months will be critical for the very survival of many hundreds of SMEs at stake.
In a recent survey by Business SA, 36 per cent of businesses cast doubt on whether they can last another three months of restrictions.
The survey found micro to small businesses were most at risk – which is no surprise as the hardest hit industries have a higher concentration of smaller businesses.
For example, in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors alone, 52 per cent said they would not survive past another three months of restrictions.
As the independent and local peak Chamber of Commerce in SA representing 17 industries across the State, Business SA speaks for all businesses when we ask South Australians to choose wisely.
Think about your local florist, your family owned grocer, favourite restaurant, local pub, physiotherapist or hardware store.
We know many of the larger franchises and many of the big guys are doing better, but these smaller businesses are suffering.
They are either financially crippled, closed, trading on limited hours, have half of the staff on hand than what they are used to or they are fast approaching insolvency. South Australia is often touted as the small business State.
With so much at risk, those words must be backed with real action if we genuinely want to save hundreds of businesses and many thousands of jobs.
A little goes a long way. That is why Business SA is asking South Australians to Buy Local to Save Your Local.
It is these small choices that ultimately will help keep our economy afloat in these uncharted waters.
Martin Haese is Business SA chief executive.