Weekly Digest – 9 December 2020
Hello again – welcome to the latest edition of our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas that will help us all move forward.
Bluetooth Tracking Launched as QR Scanning Rates Decline
The government has launched a Bluetooth close contact tracking technology to boost the response in case of a COVID-19 outbreak. This means Kiwis will be able to use the Covid Tracer app on their phones to record other devices they come into close proximity with.
This decision comes as the rate of QR scanning has steeply declined once again, with only 8% of app users actually scanning any codes in the past 24 hours on Monday.
Business Debt Hibernation Scheme to Be Extended
Businesses left struggling with debt due to the pandemic have been given a further reprieve, as the government has extended its debt hibernation scheme until October 2021.
Originally due to expire on Christmas Eve, this scheme allows eligible businesses to put their debts on hold for up to 7 months. While the NZ economy was recovering better than expected, the impacts of the pandemic were far-reaching and some businesses need continued support.
If you need help in assessing your eligibility or would like to consider other financial assistance options, get in touch with us today.
Construction Industry Sales Increased
Construction industry sales in the September 2020 quarter were up almost 9% compared with the same quarter last year, despite the impact of COVID-19 in the first half of the year, according to the latest data by Stats NZ.
In contrast, sales for many industries servicing tourism and travel were still lagging well behind levels seen last year. Sales in this category were $42 billion, down 5.3 percent ($2.4 billion) from the September 2019 quarter.
Manufacturing and Wholesale Trade Sales Rebound
Manufacturing sales volumes and wholesale trade sales values rose this quarter to record levels for any September quarter, bouncing back from the impact of COVID-19, according to Stats NZ.
Total wholesale trade sales rose to $29.8 billion, up $1.6 billion (5.8 percent) in September last year. Meanwhile, total manufacturing sales volumes rose to $25 billion, up 3.1 percent ($743 million) in the September 2019 quarter.
Home Ownership Drops to Lowest Level Since 1951
Home ownership in New Zealand continued to decline to the lowest level since 1951, with a 30-year decline hitting those in their 20s and 30s hardest.
A Statistics New Zealand report showed the decline varied by region, with Auckland showing the biggest decline, while in parts of the country, home ownership rates remain above 75%. As home ownership has declined, renting has increased, with 32% of households living in rented homes according to the 2018 Census.
New $40 Million COVID-19 Fund Opens
Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs has announced that a new lottery fund has opened. The fund will provide one-off grants for community and social initiatives that will ensure that iwi, hapū and communities across New Zealand are safe and resilient following COVID-19.
More details about applying for funding can be found on the Community Matters website. If you need help in assessing your eligibility or considering other funding options available to you, feel free to contact us.
Best Online Booking Systems to Check Out
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and businesses start to reopen, having a reliable scheduling app could make the life of a business owner much easier. Here are some of the best online booking systems you might want to use for your business:
Acuity Scheduling
Who’s it for?
- General businesses
- Fitness studios
- Education/ coaching
- Salons and spas
Key Features
- 2 minute set-up demo
- Customers can view real-time availability
- Self-booking
- Time zone auto-adjust
- Automatic reminders for customers
- Stripe, Square, and PayPal integration
Calendly
Who’s it for?
- General businesses
Key Features
- Powerful integrations including: Zoom, GoToMeeting, Facebook, Google Calendar, Office 365, Stripe, and Paypal
- Flexible meeting type options
- Advanced analytics options
- Intelligent scheduling with caps and buffers
Setmore
Who’s it for?
- General businesses
- Beauty and wellness
- Salons and spas
- Consulting/sales
- Trades businesses
Key Features
- One-click video appointments option
- Free package comes with one to four staff logins
- Integrations with other apps including: Facebook, Instagram, Slack, Google Calendar, Office 365, Xero, and QuickBooks
- Weekly projected revenue reporting options
Mindbody
Who’s it for?
- Salons and spas
- Fitness studios
- Beauty and wellness
Key Features
- Subscription fee relief for specific businesses
- Price increase suspended for 2020
- Powerful peer business support through Mindbody One
- Advanced marketing options
- POS (point of sale) integration options
GigaBook
Who’s it for?
- General businesses
- Technology teams
Key Features
- Multiple integrations including: Stripe, PayPal, Office 365, and QuickBooks
- Advanced dashboard and reporting
- Open API
- Easy rescheduling
- Automated reminders
- Intelligent booking capacity tools
Get in touch
Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business.