Page 4 - Demo

EDITOR’S LETTER EWDITOR’S LETTER ith the government unveiling spending measures aimed at kickstarting the economy, industry bodies have praised the federal budget, claiming it offers urgent relief for struggling retailers. The government is introducing a $1.5 billion ‘modern manufacturing strategy’, a long-term plan to support Australia’s economic recovery and increase the nation’s innovative manufacturing capability. The budget includes new, extended and existing measures to further support small business including: • $4.3 million for Beyond Blue’s NewAccess service, providing mental health support for small businesses. • $1.2 billion for extension of wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees. • $850 million for the JobMaker hiring credit, payable for up to 12 months to employers who hire young people (16-35 years). • $15 billion in JobKeeper payments. • $1.9 billion for loss carry-back tax provision • $26.7 billion in instant asset write-offs for business – uncapped. • $800 million for a national digitisation plan. The government is committing $259 million to support the reskilling of Australians, and an additional $240 million will be aimed at increasing women’s workforce participation, improving earning potential and enhancing economic independence. Meanwhile, Woolworths has launched what is described as state-of-the-art micro- automation technology, Takeoff, in a newly built site within its Carrum Downs supermarket in Melbourne. Micro-fulfilment tech helps dispatch five times the online order volume of a standard Woolworths store. In this issue, Romeo Retail Group Director Joseph Romeo tells Retail World in an exclusive interview that the combined efforts of retailers, suppliers and Metcash working together throughout this critical time has been crucial to its network. Also inside, Foodservice Australia looks ahead to the trade show returning to Melbourne in 2021 where it will present new ideas, products, seminars and workshops for cafes, restaurants, commercial kitchens and shops In this month’s Retail World 360, Food South Australia celebrates its 10-year milestone as the industry-led association and focal point for access and advocacy for the food and beverage industry in that state. WKSHOP Academy offers insights and pro tips for perfecting the daily coffee brew, describing coffee as being a lot like wine – in terms of where the beans grow, how they’re roasted, and the methods used to brew them. Also covered is the need for future factories to ramp up and compete on both a global and local scale while dealing with the additional challenges of managing labour and getting to grips with new safety protocols. Positiv says digital transformation or ‘Industry 4.0’ plays a part in this. See Retail World 360 for more innovative and inspired thought leadership on important threads at the forefront of the industry. We hope you enjoy this issue of Retail World magazine. Lorna Gloria Guest Editor 2 RETAIL WORLD OCT, 2020