Uncertainty ahead

TKevin O’Leary he excellent summer weather and the relative freedoms of the orange-light setting in Auckland, under the Covid-19 Protection Framework, have contributed to a positive start to the new year for most people.

The attainment of more than 90 per cent of eligible Aucklanders being double jabbed, with many already receiving their booster has also added to the air of positivity.

However, we now live in uncertain times when a change in circumstances can adversely affect our lifestyles at the drop of a hat. The confirmation of the arrival of Omicron in our communities that saw the country enter the red-light setting under the Covid-19 Protection Framework – or traffic light system – on Sunday sadly proving to be the case. Any early air of positivity has been dealt a blow with this swift change in settings.

Fortunately, most if not all businesses have adapted their operating models, either voluntarily or as part of a Government mandate, to include all the necessary systems and processes required to enable them to keep trading at some level, while keeping their staff and customers as safe as possible. This means that most businesses are operating as fully as they can under the guidelines, hoping to make the best of what for some will be limited opportunities.

There are as you are no doubt aware, there are several other significant challenges that businesses and indeed many households are still facing. The cost of raw materials continues to increase across many business sectors – costs that are ultimately passed on to customers.

Increasing fuel and food prices along with rising mortgage rates continue to put a strain on many household budgets and there does not seem to be any sign of a reduction in these rising costs in the near future.

Additionally, many businesses are still experiencing major problems with staff shortages and the supply chain. Some are unable to obtain certain goods required for the manufacture of their products to satisfy new or outstanding orders, while others are unable to fill the spaces on an increasing number of empty shelves in retail outlets. Once again, there appears to be no end in sight to these issues, only continued frustration for many businesses and their customers.

The major uncertainties for us all now are how long the Omicron variant will disrupt our lifestyles and what will be the challenges that lie ahead for business and residents associated with its arrival.

Finally, I would like to encourage you all to continue to buy locally whenever you can whatever traffic light colour setting we may find ourselves in, because more businesses are becoming increasingly reliant upon your vital local support in these uncertain times.

Kevin O’Leary is the general manager of Business North Harbour, which manages the region’s Business Improvement District, one of the fastest growing commercial industrial estates in Auckland and New Zealand.