Nelson is built on people ‘willing to have a go’ and they deserve our support

Simon Duffy is general manager of Uniquely Nelson

OPINION: I have travelled a lot over the years for my work, experiencing the cultures of different cities around the world.

Like many, I have options to live elsewhere, but I choose Nelson city – for its community connectiveness, boutique offerings and its entrepreneurial attitude.

There is a special kind of energy behind our shopfronts, offices and hospitality venues, owned by passionate locals who have backed themselves, followed an idea, and built a business from the ground up.

Let’s face it, it’s not easy to do, to set up a new business and keep it going, but people have shared with me that have been able to keep going because of the loyal locals and connected community who provide them with support. I love that that is who we are – brave, loyal and connected.

A recent Uniquely Nelson business survey paints a picture of a city powered by innovators and creators. Half of the businesses surveyed were founded by the people who still run them today, with most owners still working full-time in the businesses they created and love.

From welcoming hospitality venues and unique retail stores to creative agencies, professional services, health providers and technology companies, Nelson’s business community reflects the diversity and energy of the city itself.

While major retailers and anchor tenants play an important role in the city’s success, with all due respect, I believe Nelson’s true magic comes from the remarkable number of owner-operated businesses that line our streets.

These hard-working starters give the city everything we need, and as a region we should be very proud of our brave hearts.

Meanwhile, an interesting fact about our city identity is the number of family-run businesses. Around one-third of respondents to our survey said their businesses are operated by spouses or partners, which brings something special to the city.

Spouses operate motels, cafés, retail shops and health services – a whole range of businesses around the city, with each person bringing something different to the business, and so it works. Customers can feel the difference.

Nelson’s business owners are a blend of established family enterprises and ambitious start-ups, Duffy says.

These owners are particularly invested, not just financially but emotionally. You can really feel how deeply they care about what they offer their customers.

Meanwhile, a number of new businesses have recently chosen to open their doors in Nelson, bringing fresh ideas and new jobs, while adding to the rich mix of established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs that continue to make the CBD a dynamic and welcoming destination.

While the city is constantly welcoming new businesses and fresh ideas, many have become part of the fabric of the city across generations. There are an impressive proportion of Nelson businesses now being operated by second-generation family members, while some have reached the milestone of being owned and run by three generations of the same family.

These businesses represent decades of commitment, resilience and service to the community.

This blend of established family enterprises and ambitious start-ups creates something unique. Nelson is a place where a business can begin as a bold idea, grow into a successful enterprise and, in some cases, be passed on from one generation to the next.

It’s this combination of entrepreneurial courage and enduring family legacy that gives Nelson its distinctive character — a city where businesses don’t just open their doors, they become part of the community’s story.

So, if Nelson city’s story is not about buildings, but about people, it is important that we ensure those who welcome you to their store or café today, are part of our city’s future story.

Yes, some of you may find it easier to shop online, but it is not nearly as rewarding or fun as taking a bit of time out with family or friends to visit and shop in our city. It really isn’t.

For the next year or so, like many other cities, we’ll all have to work around some significant infrastructure upgrades. There may be a few inconveniences along the way for sure, but theyr’e a sign of a city investing in itself and planning for the future.

This is a city built by people willing to have a go. If they can take that leap of faith every day, then we can take a different route and come into town. Let’s give the city the same support and confidence that our business owners show us every day.

By Simon Duffy, Nelson Mail

Click here to find out more…