Things to Consider for your Business
Following the Government announcement on the 20th April, New Zealand will move out of Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm on Monday 27 April, into Alert Level 3.
This will mean different things to different businesses and sectors, with many of you already beginning preparation for operations under Level 3. We’ve collated some of the key resources to support your business with its planning, and eventual transition into Alert Level 3. Businesses must take health measures to keep their workers safe, and ensure they’re following these guidelines set out by Government.
Workplace Preparedness
For an overview of what workplace activities are permitted, and ways in which you can operate under Alert Level 3, business.govt.nz provides a clear guide and information for all types of businesses and sectors with clear guidelines for each Alert Level.
Hospitality and Food
Food businesses planning to operate in Alert Level 3 must take steps to ensure food is safe and suitable, and that requirements are being met even if you are making changes to the way you operate i.e. delivery or pick up options, or online sales.
Worksafe Guidelines
All businesses that are permitted to resume operations under Alert Level 3 must have a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how they’ll operate safely. WorkSafe have several templates available for use to get you started to make the process easier to navigate.
Business Mentors
Now is the time to start thinking about the future of your business. CEDA can connect you to a business mentor who can offer guidance, act as a sounding board, test your thinking and help to validate ideas. Find out more about the 12 month Business Mentoring service.
Construction Sector
During COVID-19 Alert Level 3, most work can be carried out in the building and construction sector, however it is essential that your company and sites meet the outlined Health and Safety requirements and that they follow the COVID-19 Construction Protocols.
Manufacturing
In addition to the WorkSafe guidelines, the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) have provided safe work protocols for manufacturers, with helpful tips and considerations that you can implement, including contact tracing protocols.
Ensure you are Visible
As we move between Alert Levels, and things continue to evolve, it’s crucial that you control the visibility and messaging of your business and communicate with your customers or networks so they know how to access you or if they can. Here’s some key areas to focus on:
- Google Business – Ensure your listing is up to date, has your correct contact details and reflects your current operations.
- Get visible – If you’re not on Google Business, make this a priority. It’s FREE, easy to do and one of the most powerful tools for connecting with a broader customer base. Simply follow the 6 easy steps once you’ve signed in using a google account here. Before you get started, check out this How-To guide.
- Website – if you have a website, make sure that it has clear messaging up front on how your business is operating, or if you are closed.
- Facebook and social media – if you have social media for your business, now is the time to use it. Make sure you are providing updates that are short and sweet, and clearly communicate what you’re offering, whether you are open and how to connect with you or order.
- Be Responsive – Make use of automatic replies on Facebook to acknowledge you’ve received their enquiry, set expectations on when they’ll hear back from you (eg 24 hours, or 3 business days)and include some key FAQ’s and website links to help answer your most common enquiries eg your opening hours.
- Email Replies – If you’re struggling to respond to all your emails, set up an automatic response to acknowledge you’ve received the email, set the customers’ expectations on when they can expect a reply (eg 24 hours or 3 business days) and include key links and information that may provide the answers the customer was seeking.
CEDA’s team are here to support you and help answer any questions you may have.
We recognise that the level of information is significant, and rapidly changing each day. Get in touch so we can help guide you through the different supports available to you and connect you with the resources you need.
Our dedicated team of Business Growth Advisors can connect you to the right information and resources to assist you in navigating this unprecedented time for your business. Ways we can help include:
- Connecting you to professional service providers to assist you with the issues that you are facing e.g. cash flow management, business continuity management,
- Provide you with relevant and up to date information on how and where to access Government support including navigating the Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the recently announced Business Finance Guarantee Scheme.
- Assist Māori businesses on Government support available.
- Provide you with an experienced Business Mentor to provide additional guidance over the next 12 months. Business Mentors come with specific skills and are matched depending on your needs.
- Facilitate funding for Research and Development including project grants.
