October 2021 - January 2022
The SME business dilemma
MANAGEMENT
How to survive increasing pressure to integrate more social responsibility, compliance and quality into my business at a lower cost
54 safetynews.co.nz
O
wning and running a business in the world today is becoming increasingly challenging. Buyers are wanting more for less, at the same or higher quality. End customers are looking closely at the sustainable nature of business practices. And then there is the regulator is keeping an eye on safe and healthy work practices being undertaken. This is creating a significant conundrum for
a significant employer of New Zealanders – Small to Medium Sized Businesses (SME). The dilemma of trying to juggle the demands of external stakeholders is compounded by most SME’s predominantly focused on securing and fulfilling orders. The quality of the outputs in this type of environment is important and it is the foundation upon which repeat business usually occurs. I say usually because, increasingly, price and ability to deliver at breakneck speed has become more important than some of the more “fluffy” associated aspects of delivering a product or service. Overall, the combination of, or one of, shoddy workmanship, poor environmental practice and putting workers well at risk can severely impact an organisations perception and brand value. Thus the conundrum. Most business owners understand the need to incorporate good practices in these areas into their businesses. But finding the
