Make a plan for ‘unprecedented times’

THESE ‘UNPRECEDENTED TIMES’ CALL FOR EXTRAORDINARY ACTION. SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? BLACKFERN HAS A PLAN

During the lockdown, Auto Channel checked in on a number of businesses and organizations it deals with regularly. Blackfern Cooperative’s Roger Castleton has been thinking about where to from here. For, and on behalf of, the members of the Blackfern Cooperative, here’s Roger’s assessment:

“Every business is affected by Covid-19, there’s no denying it. Although many people are now sporting a hairdo from the 1970s and have had a burning hunger for KFC wicked wings like they’ve never felt before, life will no doubt go on.

“Blackfern Cooperative has been affected like all other businesses, but, in spite of these challenging times, Blackfern has continued to service their members and was back in full operation from 1 May.

“If nothing else, the lockdown has given workshop owners and managers an opportunity to take a deep breath, and, for some, it will be the longest break they have had since they started in business. As New Zealand has done a great job so far of getting the virus under control, we can also reflect and think about what this means for our businesses, and mitigating current or future risk is surely on our minds.

“If nothing else, the lockdown has given workshops owners and managers an opportunity to take a deep breath and the longest break they have had since they started in business”

your bank. You might be tolerating the situation now but remember the effects of this shutdown and ‘the new normal’ will have effects that will go well beyond this month and next.

“Debtors: This could be a difficult conversation, treading a fine line between compassion and common sense. Understandably, you might not want to press people at the moment, but it’s in your best interest to talk to people who owe you money before the people you owe money to.

Roger Castleton presenting a session at a Blackfern seminar

That conversation with suppliers will go better if you do the other one first. And remember, people understand small businesses need support at this time. Blackfern can provide you with some simple tips and guidance in this area.

“Supply chain: How the supply chain weathers this crisis is pretty critical to all of us. Suppliers large and small need support and understanding. Obtaining products from overseas is likely to be patchy. The importers’ ability to finance the process ahead of the projected lead times will also add pressure. Much of this comes down to cashflow, and that means really doing your best to pay your creditors on the agreed terms, and not taking advantage. Get onto your debtors and this will help keep the wheels in motion.

“Forecast: Hmm. We’re into ‘string theory’ here — as in how long is it? We don’t have a fully functioning crystal ball either, so we suggest making a plan to reconnect with your customers while keeping them, your staff, and yourself safe. And share the plan with staff. This is a great time to communicate and show leadership. If you want help and advice, call us!

“Meanwhile Blackfern is backing our group to keep moving forward, so we have appointed Gary Senior into the Southland/Otago region, and he joined us on 1 May. Gary is a robust operator, so please join me in welcoming Gary to our team supporting Blackfern across New Zealand.

“Yes, these are ‘unprecedented times’, but I have no doubt that with a positive attitude and some creative thinking our members and suppliers will be among the first to see the good times again.”

“Level 3 will allow repairers to operate, provided they observe the challenge of face-to-face contact in line with Worksafe directives. So we at Blackfern have taken this time to compile a few simple articles and templates to assist members. These include the basic bricks and mortar of terms and conditions, and other processes such as the customer bookin process forms, dispute objection handling, and credit-checking services.

“Meanwhile, compliance, safety, cashflow management, forecasting are all a bit more important than they were just a month ago. So let’s have a closer look.

“Safety compliance: Rule one has got to be making sure you comply with the restriction levels. New Zealanders are not in the mood for a cavalier attitude to the government’s guidelines. Take the time to check out industry guidance in this area. Worksafe New Zealand will no doubt be monitoring repairers.

“Finance: Money has never been cheaper. If you haven’t done so already, check out the wage subsidy and government guarantee scheme with

Roger Castleton and Richmel Castleton, Blackfern office manager

Gary Senior joins Blackfern in the South Island