It seems that Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokespeople never have anything positive to say. Again Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Littleproud is quoted as saying (Southern Free Times, 21 July 2011) that he: “is concerned about the impact that the large increase in rates will have on local businesses.” It doesn’t matter how much rates increase (it is a cost for public expenses used by all), and it is (eventually) a cost to be passed on to the consumer.
However, if it is indeed true that “some Warwick businesses would see a rise of $5000 or more in their general rates…” equating to about $97 per week and if that increase means that the business becomes unprofitable, then the business is not profitable enough to be in business anyway.
I am sorry that business people are struggling with paying all the increases but, if they can no longer pass on the increased costs to the consumer, they should seriously consider getting out while the going is still good. Too many hang in there thinking that it will be better tomorrow or that it will rain tomorrow.
I believe that business people should be (somewhat) optimistic in their outlook but, if the figures indicate that money is no longer made, it is time to get out.
I have often wondered how some businesspeople think they are going to make a profit to live on, when the simple equation is to look at, for example, how many cups of coffee one has to sell to pay for the rent and then for the rest of the expenses and then for the profit to live on.
People who are not in business have to budget for everything too and soon find that, when the money has gone (and the credit card is used to its maximum), something has to be done. (To be honest something should be done before that happens.) Either sell the house before the bank does or cut down on expenses! So, what is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggesting business people should do?
Herman Odijk, Stanthorpe
