Confidence amongst New Zealand’s small business sector is reaching new heights, according to the latest MYOB Colmar Brunton Business Monitor survey of more than 1,000 small to medium enterprises.
The six-monthly survey reveals an increasing number of New Zealand’s SMEs are experiencing improved trading conditions and there has been a huge turnaround in optimism about the year ahead.
When asked about their business’s revenue, 39 per cent of respondents reported an increase in the last 12 months, up from 37 per cent in March and 31 per cent a year ago. Just 17 per cent of SMEs saw revenue fall over the period, down from 21 per cent in March and 25 per cent in August 2015.
SME operators are even more bullish on the next 12 months, with 42 per cent expecting their revenue to grow in the next year, while just 11 per cent are forecasting a decline.
The results show a promising climate for small business in New Zealand, making it an ideal time to invest in the latest printing technology that boosts productivity and enhances operational efficiency.
A Case Study In Small Business Productivity: Hill Lumber, Auckland
For more than 20 years, Hill Lumber has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s timber industry, combining friendly service with practical timber advice. They are Auckland’s leading timber reseller, stocking everything you might need for projects, from completing a deck upgrade to framing a complete home renovation.
Since opening in 1992, Hill Lumber has become Auckland’s go-to location for tradies, commercial developers and weekend warriors alike who rely on their expert knowledge to get the timber products they need.
Yet for a small business reliant on prompt and efficient customer service, Hill Lumber was facing a significant operational issue.
The Challenge
Hill Lumber’s printing technology was frustrating the team’s effort to run an efficient and effective business. Constant paper jams hindered productivity and the high cost of consumables impacted the bottom line.
Meanwhile, the lack of reliability from their existing printers was eroding the morale of staff who couldn’t deliver consistent and effective customer service.
“We were frustrated with our lack of printer performance,” recalls Owner Trevor Hill. “We had tried all kinds of printers but we had constant printer issues.”
“We had consistent paper jams, high consumable costs and we needed a printer that was reliable, efficient and did a really great job for us.”
The Solution
Printing is an essential part of Trevor’s business, with hard copy contracts and financial documents a fundamental part of every transaction. That’s not to mention receipts, invoices and the essential HR documents that make Hill Lumber tick.
He turned to Fuji Xerox to install a solution that would help streamline Hill Lumber’s printing process, boost office productivity and make the lives of his staff easier.
Working closely with the Hill Lumber team, Fuji Xerox developed a detailed understanding of its business model, workflow, and printing requirements. Using this information, Fuji Xerox recommended and installed the DocuPrint P455 d desktop printer from its SMART Series range.
The DocuPrint P455 d is perfect for small business, combining high reliability, secure networking, fast print speeds (up to 35ppm) and economical running costs. The combination of the EA-Eco Toner, high print resolution and ICC colour profiling results in superior colour and monochrome print quality.
Results
Its small and compact design allowed the DocuPrint P455 d to sit comfortably under the Hill Lumber front counter, working smoothly and efficiently without being visible to customers or taking up precious desk space.
And it had an immediate impact. The new printer offered Hill Lumber unprecedented reliability in managing its printing and office paperwork. The higher page yields, faster printer times and longer lasting toners have also reduced the total cost of ownership, saving Hill Lumber money in the long run.
“The Fuji Xerox printer has changed our work life,” Trevor says. “Everything from consumable costs to satisfied customers and staff who are happy to come to work because there’s not going to be any printer issues.”
