5 Things You Must Do To Prepare For A Post-Lockdown World!
It’s safe to say that every single business in Australia has been challenged more than ever before thanks to COVID and the country’s required lockdowns. These trying times have been a real eye-opener for many as we see just how resilient or for some, how vulnerable our businesses really are. The civil, mining and construction industry makes up the backbone of Australia’s business and family supporting economic structure. It is sad to say that on the other side of COVID, is passed or at very least, manageable, there will be many in our industry around the country who will not reopen or who may never fully recover. When our industry is struggling or has been impacted, everyone in the country feels in the knock-on effect.
As an Australia-wide equipment distributor, we partner with so many businesses all across our great country. From dedicated sole-trading concreters who help support leading civil construction firms, to family-owned and operated fabricators, local mining operations to equipment hire stores, we have truly seen the impact of this lockdown at every level of our industry. Using our unique informed perspective paired with first-hand experience lockdown can have on a business, we have compiled a list of 5 Vital Things You Must Do To Prepare For a Post-Lockdown World!
Plan Out The Next 6 Months
As we speed towards the summer months of the year, normally many in our industry would be starting to wind down, finish off projects or post-pone new inquiries for the start of 2022. The second half of the year, around Christmas and New Year, is often an expensive time for many. There will be many people who are struggling for income or who will be wanting to continue work/take a reduced time off over Christmas. Take the time now to determine what time you will be taking off over the summer months. Will you be taking any time off in January? Or do you want to seize the opportunity when others are off to gain new business? Use this time to plan out your projects, strategize your leave, and scaffold out your work for the first few months of the new year. You will thank yourself come 2022 when you can finish 2021 being productive and profitable while beginning 2022 with a strong start against your competition.
Allow For Equipment Provisions For Reduced Worksite Workers
When worksites reopen completely, there may still be restrictions on the number of people that can be working at each workplace. This means you may experience delays completing projects as tasks that previously took a team of people may need to be completed by 1-2 workers. You will need to expect that in these circumstances you will need to adapt to reduced numbers to see the longevity of your business. We recommend reviewing your current equipment to see if you should upgrade or source new innovative equipment that can make the workload easier and more efficient even with reduced work numbers. To help with this, we have started stocking a range of leading equipment with user comfort in mind. There are so many new and innovative products on the market to specifically assist this need. Masterpac and Bentonelli Concreting Equipment is made to ease the need for manual concreting who screed, compact and cure by hand with ride-on trowels and easy-use rammers. HYCON has a range of powerful hydraulic hand-held equipment that will see you save time and money on labor and maintenance with their long-lasting designs.
See both of these options on our website at www.airplantservices.com.auGet A Service!
Many businesses are experiencing a reduced workload thanks to the lockdown and restrictions on the building/construction industry. Your equipment that was being used daily has been sitting around un-used gathering dust. As soon as the construction industry is able to kick back into full force, you will need your equipment to be firing on all cylinders and readily available for the rigorous day-to-day requirements. Take the time now to book your equipment in for a scheduled service or tune-up. Everything from your compressors to your jackhammers, power tools, pumps, vibrators, jetters and every other tool you rely on, should be kept in optimum condition. Contact our team at services@airplantservices.com.au or at 1300 763 100 to book in for a service
Do You Have An Agility COVID Plan?
While vaccination rates are rising and the government is planning a return to force for all Civil, Mining and Construction services, we must still prepare for the inevitability of more restrictions or another dreaded lockdown. You must have an agility plan in place ready to roll out if the worst happens. An Agility COVID Plan is a way to streamline and reduce expenses and pivot to an alternative form of trade. For example, preparing your equipment hire company to become an online-only store for bookings, or informing staff for a temporary closure with leave in case of another shutdown, or moving your fabrication/servicing business to pick up and drop off.
Communicate With Everyone
During times of uncertainty, it is vital that you stay on top of your communications so people know what is happening. You might still be trading well during these times, but this will remind them of your business and keep them engaged. To help you communicate clearly, here is a list of communications you should consider…
Call Or Email All Current Customers To Tell Business Is Back In Full Swing
Once the lockdown has lifted, you should send an email or call all of your stakeholders to inform them that it is business as usual and you are ready and avaliable to help.
Update Your Website and Social Media Accounts To Communicate Your Open
New Customers might be trying to find you for new work OR your old posts or trading ours might be out of date. Update everything so customers and new businesses understand how you can best help them thrive.
Prepare An Email Or Website Update To Tell People What Will Happen In Your Agility COVID Plan
It is best to prepare this in advance and revisit it so that you can quickly pivot into another lockdown or restricted trade period.
Speak With Your Staff So There Is Clarity Around What Happens Now
Transparency is key when you are ensuring your business stays in fine form when you return out of lockdown. Give everyone in the business a clear path into the future so everyone knows what you are working towards.
