There is a rainbow in this cloud!

 
The constant media talk of recession and broad global economic decline has us waiting, sitting ducks, in limbo awaiting the mass downturn. I’m certainly not taking the gravity of the situation away from those that have been hit hard by COVID-19 as I know there are many businesses and individuals who are suffering, my own organisation included. But between the seriousness of the pandemic, job keeper/seeker and increasing cases in Victoria and NSW I’m wanting to hear something else, a different focus.  
 
I’m ready for some positivity in the news, give me the rainbow! 
 
We need confidence to beat this and if only you talked to business owners who are at the coal face of this economic crisis, you’ll hear inspiring stories of adaption and innovation.  
 
On my quest for positivity, I’m seeing the shopping malls bustling (with social distancing); I’m hearing that businesses are smashing their sales targets and reports of unprecedented growth across many industries. I have not missed once since COVID started getting to my coffee shop everyday for a takeaway!
 
I was at dinner last week and this very topic was discussed. A quick survey was done of my small group of friends and we were able to rattle off oodles of positive news stories.   
 
Is it just me, shouldn’t this stuff be in the news?  
 
Here’s the dinner party’s good news stories:-  
 
Lending money is cheap: 
  • MD of a prestige car dealership reports highest sales in history for June  
  • Toyota recorded 7.9% increase across their model range in June 
  • Utility vehicle sales report 21.1% increase year on year 
  • Refinance and new mortgage applications are at their highest
Retail sector show signs of recovery: 
  • Australian Fashion label reports in-store sales that outperform May and June targets 
  • JB-HI-FI are increasing in-store staff hours 
  • Sport and Recreation businesses selling out of fitness equipment ie push bikes, gym equipment 
  • Online stores report consistent steady growth  
  • Working for home, Ikea and Kmart continually sell out of stock 
Growing industries with vacancies: 
  • SME Building and Construction  
  • Delivery and Courier services 
  • Transport and warehousing 
  • Information Technology
  • Food product manufacturing and wholesaling, retailing 
  • e-commerce
  • Healthcare, Aged Care 
Employment:  
  • Job vacancies are rising at around 20% per month from April  
Inspiring Innovation:
  • Aerospace catering provides budget ready meals 
  • Clothing line manufactures PPE masks, gowns, and scrubs 
  • Recruitment company develops a unique outplacement service and pandemic inspired support networks (By the way, if you haven’t guessed that’s us) 
  • 3D printer business producing respiratory ventilators parts 
  • Engineering & design firm creates a COVID-safe, modular “parklets” seating to help restaurants reopen 
  • Australian stage and festival builder creates affordable flat pack work-from-home desks.  
This type of news is refreshing and provides empowerment and encouragement.
 
Together we can build confidence. 
 
Please share YOUR good news stories, we love to hear them! 
 

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