Martin, for 25 years you’ve helped businesses overcome tough issues to become market leaders in their field. What advice would you give Fleurieu businesses at this uncertain time? Act quickly and seek advice, there is a plethora of resources available I’m finding Business SA is a great place for resources and up to date information, and for Onkaparinga SMEs the council’s ON Business Partner Program offers support, mentoring and grants. But importantly, businesses should be getting a lot of support from their accountant at the moment. 

Drawing on your strategic marketing expertise, how can businesses prepare for the future? I see it as three phases: business continuity – restructure to survive, recovery – acquire old and new customers and post COVID – be opportunity ready. 

Tips? Position your business to remain viable during these tough times. Then plan for when the markets start to open up. Be opportunity-ready, which means maintaining customer relationships, value adding, and looking at new ways to meet market needs and wants. Listen to your customers because COVID is rapidly changing consumer behaviour.

Business housekeeping advice? Cashflow. That’s the big one. Make sure new business has a clear understanding of payment terms and confidence in those terms. Also, you should be reviewing all your overheads to minimise any outgoings that are not suited to your revised business model.

Such as? Insurance, subscriptions, software registrations, phone plans. And then the real important thing about housekeeping is that you need to have up to date accurate financials; you have to be right on top of your weekly cashflows. 

Away from consulting, where do you go to recharge? At the moment I go from my home office to the lounge room. But outside of isolation rules, I’m a frequent visitor to the Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor areas for boating and sailing and family holidays. And I like to support the farmers markets.

You’ve invested in the Fleurieu business, Feather and Peck. We employ seven local people and supply a lot of businesses with our eggs. For me, the big thing was to be involved in a business that supports sustainable farming and ethical food production. I’m passionate about being involved in the food industry, which is a core strength of the Fleurieu. 

Must-have pantry items? Pastured eggs, of course? Definitely, but you’ll be disappointed to hear I’m not a very good cook – but I still love food and sourcing local fruit and vegetables. You’ll also find Wirra Wirra Church Block in the pantry. That’s a long term favourite of mine going back many years, and I also love boutique wineries like Noons. 

Must-do Fleurieu experience? A bottle of Wirra Wirra and a platter of local cheeses sitting on Aldinga Beach at sunset.

Dining tips for the future? A meal and drink on the lawns of the Victory Hotel is one of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. 

What makes the Fleurieu a great place to be during this challenging time? We’re on Adelaide’s doorstep, but we have wide open spaces and diversity. I’m strongly expecting that post COVID there’ll be more interest in local production and local business relationships; and the Fleurieu is highly positioned to deliver that - and much more. 

MARTIN’S FLEURIEU TIPS

• Willunga Farmers Market
• Victor Harbor Farmers Market
• Victory Hotel
• Noon winery
• Feather & Peck
• Wirra Wirra
• Southern Business Mentoring Program 

SPECIALISED BUSINESS ADVICE

Contact Martin at KSM Advisory