Christmas 2015 is only a few days away, leaving some of us wondering how it rolled around quite so quickly. What does it mean? There is little doubt that traditions once prevalent have fallen by the wayside – whereas once upon a time, The Post Office was overwhelmed with Christmas Cards to deliver, now they’re few and far between. We used to receive several hundred cards (sending a corresponding number outwards). This year I have seen one card, although I am informed there may be a few more around the office. Rather than send cards outwards, we have made the decision to provide more tangible cash support to local charities. I used to spend weeks leading up to Christmas entertaining clients, boozy lunches and dinners, celebrating the year past and cementing relationships moving forward. In recent years it has proven increasingly difficult to get clients to make time for this – possibly a combination of pressure of time and changes to drink driving rules. Likewise, it is very rare for me to accept any invitations, growing old and curmudgeonly, reluctant to interact with the rowdy set. Our Christmas Party was celebrated at Wildfire in the city, judged a success by all accounts, perhaps a little more restrained than previous efforts (possibly because we are all a year wiser), but an important occasion to mark the passing of another year. So, how has the year been? Thankfully, despite a fairly torrid start, not as tough as many previous years – with the acquisition of long established and reputable companies like World Freight in New Plymouth, Divers and Morgan’s in Auckland we’ve added new business and key personnel. This philosophy carries on our long tradition of growing through integrating history as well as adopting the very latest cutting edge technology. After 30 years in business, we’ve ridden out almost every storm circumstances could throw against us, and as a consequence we’re fairly strong and resilient, more prudent and practical than flamboyant, ready for whatever the next few years may bring. Where our people or clients have needed us during tragedy or misfortune, we’ve stood firm and strong, ready to lend a hand. We’ve also tried be good corporate citizens, “paying it forward” however we can – a large portion of my time is now spent as a volunteer business mentor, helping others “find their way”. Over the years, and as we’ve been able to afford to, we’ve become more socially responsible, and now direct a large part of our earnings back into the community, with various Hospice’s, Cancer and Child related charities, and the Salvation Army being the major beneficiaries. In addition, we have a truck on permanent loan to the Salvation Army – Major Rod came and saw me to get funding for a couple of new stoves for one of their shelters, and left with a truck instead! As a commitment to the future, we purchased our first hybrid truck this year, a 7.5 tonne Fuso Diesel Electric curtainsider that is “state of the art”. As well as the “green” element, we see this as a commercial decision with a theoretical pay back over 5 years Many of our peers in the industry are “off shoring” jobs. Instead of continuing to employ Kiwis, Customs, data entry and processing jobs are being sent to the Philippines, China or Malaysia – a cheaper option. Instead, we’re determined to use the best technology and the best people to become more efficient, keeping jobs here – people before profit. I do despair at this attitude and hope that I never find myself in a tight spot with people used to taking the “easy” option at the expense of their work families. So, we approach 2016 in pretty good shape, knowing that the hard work we’ve put in in the past will continue to provide for us in the future. We live in a fast changing world where failure to adapt quickly usually only has one outcome. It is timely for me to thank all those people who continue to believe in us, who trust us to act in their best interests, and who benefit as a consequence – without you, we are nothing. This includes staff, clients and service providers – we are all reliant on each other to succeed. Enjoy the festive season, take the time and effort to watch a sun rise and a sun set, (remembering to repeat the process often) recharge the batteries – before we know it, the time will come for us to start the process all over again. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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