The Influencers: Leeann Watson

Over the last few months, we have seen a collective, community response to COVID-19.

We have all stayed home, maintained social distancing, handwashed and sanitised for our own health as well as the health of others in our community.

With the curve flattened, now is the time to look at what we can all do to promote the good health of our local business community and the livelihoods of those same people.

There are various ways of doing this, such as shopping local, with consumers supporting businesses.

There is an opportunity too for businesses to support other businesses through purchasing goods and services locally, as well as advocating for local and central Government procurement of New Zealand made products and services where the funds go back into our local and national economy, not offshore.

There is also the concept of ‘buying forward’ – buying shop vouchers, a card for ten coffees or a meal, or paying for a future car service or hair appointment now – to help stimulate the economy and generate cashflow for the businesses that so desperately need it.
This is particularly important in Canterbury given the challenging operating environment businesses have faced in the last decade.

It’s not just the financial livelihood of our community that this will help, it’s also the mental health of those around us.

We know that regular employment also provides structure and routines, a sense of purpose and worth, networks and connections that play a key role in the overall wellbeing of our community, and role modelling for our future generations and workforce.