By NICOLE VALICEK
A SMALL business owner in Hobsons Bay has cut more than a dozen staff to ease the burden of the rising costs of bills and he’s not alone.
Angelo Napoli from family owned Napoli Quality Fruit Market in Williamstown said compared to three years ago the business is struggling to keep their “head above water”.
“Today a lot of our profits are eaten up through the increase of expenses,” he said.
Mr Napoli said three years ago the business would expect to pay $1700 for electricity compared to $4000 they received at the last quarter in April.
On top of mounting bills Mr Napoli said they have noticed a decrease in customer confidence, despite the fact that food prices are better today than they were years ago.
“Small businesses are struggling and I believe the government is not helping to keep people here … and give incentives to help them.”
Mr Napoli said along the Ferguson St shopping strip other businesses such as the butcher and cafes are feeling the pinch.
He claims increased expenses including the rent, gas and electricity have doubled, if not tripled, across the board.
“We usde to have 20 staff including part-timers, now we’re down to six and they’re hours have been cut down, yet we’ve had to work more.”
“There’s hardly any profit, we’re just keeping our head above water.”
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce President Samantha Martin said the rising cost of utilities and bills has been a hot issue nationally.
“(Businesses need to) buckle down and realise it’s going to get tougher before it gets better.”
Mr Napoli said as a reaction, his business had increased its number of home deliveries, advertising and plans to have an online presence.
But in reality Mr Napoli said of the nine family members that are employed at the shop, some might need to look for another job.
“Everybody is just very scared for what the future is holding for all of us.”
Ms Martin said a key focus of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce was to represent local businesses through advocacy, digital avenues and events that will expose businesses.
“We want to courage locals to come out and shop locally.”
She said it was important for local businesses to band together to support each other in these tough times.
Newport Traders’ Association president David Skop, himself a local business owner, said businesses need to look at their productivity.
“What businesses need to do is start working a bit smarter, you need to market and advertise your business internally rather than externally.”
