What matters most for SMEs in NZ?

What matters most for small and medium enterprises in New Zealand?

It should be market, Personnel, and government support.

Near Christmas, MP of labor party Upper Harbour- Vanushi Walters surveyed an intermediate manufactory named Unipharm in Albany, Auckland, and asked the stakeholders what matters most to develop their company.

Unipharm is a leading New Zealand manufacturer of health supplements in soft-gel capsules, powder sachets, and liquid sachets.

“Expand the market” was one of the top 3. As a production factory in New Zealand, Unipharm 90% of its export markets are to China. After the recovery from the Covid situation, they are changing their strategy and directions and are trying very hard to expand the business in other countries. “We are hoping the government will help us,” said Mrs. Teng, CFO of Unipharm.

A low-interest loan from the government would be another critical issue for SMEs’ needs and wants.

Production factories like Unipharm need to make money and then invest in plant and equipment and the workshop. So, “if the government can have some effect on the low-interest loan, it will be constructive and supportive.” Mrs. Teng also mentioned that.

Support for onshore QA is also what COVID has shown to NZ SME companies. There is huge value in having onshore manufacturing, the capacity, and the ability in tech and expertise to do that. To go to European markets. Production standard through GMP or the TGA is quite essential.
Personnel shortage and minimum wage is another aching prick on the back.

In a long term, the government should encourage the manufacturing industry because it is the root of the economy. Factories are struggling to find skilled persons and laborers. The government should have better policies to attract students to learn the practical manufacturing operation course. It is a worldwide shortage in terms of skilled workers. COVID disrupts the whole supply chain, and the living price cost is so high, and government always increases minimum wages. There's much burden for the manufacturing industry. The factory must increase the sales price by the base, which makes the company competition more piercing.

It would be the most significant Christmas gift that local MP Vanushi Walters echoes the concerns and ideas heard from community members; the SME owners are glad that she will undoubtedly raise this around that table and let the court's colleagues know as well. In decision making, to help the ministers and cabinet make those critical points of New Zealand economics.

Last but not least, the SME companies, although going through the Covid difficulties, they are also willing to contribute to the local community and pleasant to donate products to kids and those groups in need.
As a company with social responsibility, Even during the worst period of COVID-19, the factory still has 70 people on the payroll. This is the principle of Aotearoa: “in operating our business, engaging with people, and exercising kaitiakitanga - caring for the natural environment and resources, as best we can.”

Unipharm Factory in Albany( Unipharm Credit)

Vanushi Walters interviewed by local Media