Five things you must do to prepare for a post-lockdown world

As the world prepares to ease into business as somewhat usual, Chad McPhee, APG Australia’s operations manager shares his five-point preparation plan.

It’s safe to say every 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. It is sad to say that on the other side of COVID there will be many who will not reopen or may never fully recover. Considering the civil, mining and construction industry makes up the backbone of Australia’s economic structure, supporting many businesses and families, 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 many businesses across our country. From dedicated sole-trading concreters who support leading civil construction firms to family-owned and operated fabricators, local mining operations and equipment hire stores, we have truly seen the impact of this lockdown at every level of our industry. This has afforded us a unique perspective and first-hand experience with how lockdowns can impact a business and puts us in a good position to help businesses in our industries plan their next moves as we move into the early stages of our new normal.

1. DECIDE WHAT YOUR SUMMER SEASON PRIORITIES WILL BE

As we speed towards the summer months of the year, normally many in our industry will be starting to wind down, finish off projects or postpone 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 and 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, or if you’d prefer to seize the opportunity when others are off to gain new business. You could instead use this time to plan out your projects, strategise your leave, and scaffold out your work for the first few months of the new year. You will thank yourself come next year when you finish 2021 being productive and profitable and beginning the next with a strong start against your competition.

• continued from previous page

2. 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 one to two 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, for example, 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. You can find out more on our website at www.airplantservices.com.au

3. GET 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 now been sitting around gathering dust. As soon as the construction industry can 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, so 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.

4. DO YOU HAVE AN AGILITY COVID PLAN?

While vaccination rates are rising and the government is planning a return for all civil, mining and construction services, we must still prepare for the inevitability of more restrictions or another lockdown. It is important to have a 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.

5. COMMUNICATE WITH EVERYONE

During times of uncertainty, it is vital that you stay on top of your communications to ensure people know what is happening. You may still be trading well during these times, but this will remind them of your business and keep them engaged. Once lockdown has lifted, this could take several forms. For example, you could call or email your customers to let them know your business is back in full swing and you are ready and available to help.

Updating your website and social media accounts can help new or existing customers understand how you can help them and your operating hours — you can also provide relevant information from your Agility plan through these channels. Neither last nor least, speak to your staff so there is clarity around what happens now — not only does it reassure and inform them — it enables them to plan their work and answer customer queries accurately.