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New hub in Mt Barker to aid in business recovery after COVID-19

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Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser
Shire of Plantagenet economic development officer Laura Adams and strategic development manager Andrus Budrikis.
Camera IconShire of Plantagenet economic development officer Laura Adams and strategic development manager Andrus Budrikis. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

The Shire of Plantagenet will launch a new Plantagenet Business Development Centre next month to help local businesses recover after COVID-19 restrictions.

The free pop-up centre in Mt Barker will open on October 12, offering business counselling and workshops by collaborating with business support services.

A business adviser will be available to offer advice to those curious or struggling with topics such as registering a new business, business planning, compliance, taxation, and COVID-19 issues.

Shire economic development officer Laura Adams said recent surveys had shown the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and their employees had been varied depending on industry, meaning the approach to helping had to be varied, too.

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“This is why the Plantagenet Business Development Centre is a multi-agency service to provide that range of support,” she said.

“We hope to help provide businesses with the support they need to recover from the impacts of COVID and the resultant precautionary behaviour by consumers.

“But also (to help) businesses take the opportunity to develop plans to deal with future setbacks.”

Ms Adams said COVID-19 restrictions had affected the community’s ability to network.

The PBDC could be a catalyst for businesses to share information and forge closer ties.

“Through engaging with the centre, individuals will have the opportunity to share their valuable local and industry knowledge and meet others who can do the same,” she said.

The centre will be open on Mondays and Thursdays until February at 23B Lowood Road, with the possibility of an extension.

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