It is kind of hard to believe but here we are at the end of another business calendar year.
Already commentators and publications are waxing lyrical about one thing – a certain virus which a year ago was beginning its "world tour". Because of the saturation it has received (and
will continue to) in the media I am not going to talk about it much in my recap of 2020.
The reason for this is that what is front of mind for me when I think of 2020 is the numerous examples I have seen around town which show the resilience of the local (and national) small business sector. And resilience is only part of what was required during weeks of enforced non activity for many and operating in an environment where further shutdowns would come when "immaculate" infections occurred (thankfully there was only one, but it was very hard work for some of our friends in Auckland).
I cringe every time I hear people using the word "pivot" (where "adapt" is the better, less buzzy, word) but in many cases around town you will see businesses have changed how they operate and actually reaped successes in effectiveness and efficiency. We have also seen people brave enough to start new businesses or find new and innovative uses for their assets.
But make no mistake, these changes have been challenging and, in some cases, downright hard. Much of the blood, sweat and tears (and sleepless nights) from our SME sector will have gone unnoticed by the masses – particularly those whose security, jobs or businesses were "business as usual" from March. And the threat of further shutdowns remains, so this risk will continue to be a feature for the business community and should remain part of everyone's planning going forward.
