Business fund option still open
A Washdyke business has made the most of support available through the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce to ride out the effects of Covid-19.
Pelle Care Products (PCP), a leather and fabric care producer, has been able to branch into the hand sanitiser market with support from the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) delivered locally by the Chamber.
PCP general manager Angela Askin, said RBP funding had made a huge difference to the business through all of its financial management, cashflow and business continuity and marketing services.
‘‘Covid-19, like it has to many business, saw us face huge uncertainty as furniture stores and some other markets either closed or came under immense pressure.’’
‘‘Covid also made us think about our business and highlighted that we needed a more diversified product offering in order to become more immune from sector specific shocks.’’
They noticed a gap in the hand sanitiser market and made use of the RBP to establish a brand, she said.
‘‘We embarked on this and helped supply what has proven to be a popular hand sanitiser product for businesses and supermarkets across the country with South Canterbury our primary initial focus,’’ Askin said.
The fund also helped her establish a greater online presence which she sees as critical in a post-Covid world.
‘‘To that end we are planning on putting this funding into expanding to our website and social media sites alongside more research and development on additional high quality products for our range.
‘‘We also have some other product developments in the research and development stage.’’
Chamber chief executive Wendy Smith said businesses feeling the effects of Covid-19 should take advantage of the support available.
She said besides RBP there is also support for Timaru-specific businesses through the Venture Timaru Professional Services Grant also administered by the Chamber.