COVID no longer holding Apia Broadcasting to ransom thanks to BLP
Having had a loss of financial data when their computer system crashed in late 2019, TV3 (Apia Broadcasting) had a big problem on its hands. With no backup and a new management team, if ever there was time for action this was it.
Just a few months later, COVID-19 happened, compounding the data problem with unexpectedly low revenue through what is normally their busiest time – May, June and July 2020. Seeking advice from John Lemoa at the local Chamber of Commerce, General Manager Aotearoa Pesamino was told about the BLP business continuity subsidy. Talking through what services were available, it was clear this was worth applying for. Aotearoa now has nothing but praise for the subsidy TV3 received last year as a result of these two disasters.
Following the advice of local BLP business advisor Timo from WE Accounting, TV3 installed Xero and started from scratch. It was the best action they could have taken.
With proper training from Timo, we understand the tools available to us on Xero. We took a different approach to goal setting. Without needing to reduce our staff, we have cut expenses wherever possible, and we know where to focus our sales energy.
Through the subsidy and training, we were able to have our best 4th quarter in 2020,– and that’s right through a pandemic!”
Looking at the business as a whole allowed Aotearoa to identify areas to work on. A key area was to reformat the sales plan and to develop an attractive proposition for customers, recognising their circumstances had changed too. Customers started to say yes which re-energised the sales team – critical for sales success.
The big lesson for us was to not hide behind the pandemic as an excuse for poor performance. We know TV is a luxury item for our customers, so we have to give them the best deal we can,” says Aotearoa.
Aotearoa and the team at TV3 are very thankful for the subsidy. They believe it has given them a new outlook on their business.
The experience has created a more prudent, conservative fiscal attitude, and greater control over finances, particularly diversifying their revenue stream.
Aotearoa notes, BLP’s subsidy came to us at a time when we needed it most; we don’t normally sign up for things like this and feel so lucky we did on this occasion. We now promote BLP’s service to other SMEs in Samoa, sharing with them how we have benefited.”
During the slump experienced in mid-2020, the future seemed very dim indeed; BLP’s subsidy has inspired TV3 to reimagine their business.
We now look for new opportunities, so we don’t just survive the hard times but prosper all the time.”
Quality approved Business Link Pacific business advisors can offer advisory services at a discounted rate through the BLP subsidy service. Subsidies range from size based on the scale of the business and the services provided. An eligible company can apply for the BLP subsidy through an approved business advisor.
BLP supports an extensive network of advisory partners across the pacific islands, who offer services in 15 different areas, including accounting, marketing, human resources, diversity and inclusion and business strategy.
To get in contact with a BLP business advisor, businesses that employ 5 to 50 employees can use the free self-assessment online tools, such as the Business Health Check and the Continuity planner. Also, companies can book a free face-to-face consultation in the countries where BLP operates to go through the business diagnostic, a comprehensive assessment of business needs and opportunities. Based on the assessment results, a business is provided with a list of Business Advisory Service Providers that can help address relevant business needs.
Visit Business Link Pacific Portal to use our free self-assessment online tools or book a local consultation in your country. Country contacts.