Small man can't compete

ONE month ago I received a sad note from “Billy The Toolman” informing us that he would be unable to continue trading into the new financial year.

Last week I saw his doors had closed – how sad. My company had traded with him for over 30 years starting when he worked for Robertsons on Ingham Road in the city then on to Glenfords and then out on his own as Billy The Toolman.

No one gave more devotion and service to his clients than Billy.

Alas this is not enough in this “top dog eat dog” world. If you’re not big you can’t survive.

What happens is the big tool suppliers have a price for national operators and a price for the little local bloke.

So the nationals buy a tool or whatever for $ 100 and Billy pays $ 150. “End of story”, he can’t compete.

I think of Rylands and many more locals that have met the same fate: local people looking after locals with the money staying local while the nationals send their profits south.

Just like us in the north losing our taxes and royalties to a capital city 80km this side of NSW.

Thank you to Billy and his family for looking after the likes of me for over 30 years.

I am forever indebted to you and yours. JOHN COOK, Managing director, JC Concreting Pty Limited.