EVERYONE’S heard the stories about businesses in Muswellbrook doing it tough.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But, amid all the “doom and gloom”, there are many rays of sunshine and positivity.
Just ask local businesswomen Sally Comerford (Comprint Solutions), Belinda Wilson (Upper Hunter Fire Protection) and Karen Cherrett (Personal Training by Karen).
The successful trio boasts more than half a century of service in the town they love – and all recently celebrated personal milestones.
Mrs Comerford chalked up 16 years, while Mrs Wilson and Mrs Cherrett reached 25 each.
Individually, they state the secret to their success is simple.
“Hard work, long hours, a great team, a determination to succeed and building a great rapport with a loyal customer base,” Mrs Comerford said.
“Remaining focussed and having a lot of personal non-negotiable habits helps too.
“We employ a happy dozen people at Comprint, mainly from Muswellbrook, but also from Denman, Aberdeen and Scone.
“So, we are a true Upper Hunter company.
“We are part of a great community.
“But, we need to work together and encourage individuals and businesses to buy locally to keep the economy going.
“The mining industry has been good for our economy – and we are grateful for their continued support – however, we need to remember that there is more to the area than mining.
“We’ve got the horse industry, great wineries, agriculture, educational services and tourism.
“We have people and businesses in this area that have so much to offer.
“With such a high level of skills, it makes me feel positive for the future.”
Upper Hunter Fire Protection, which was established in March 1991, provides employment for 12 people in the region, according to Mrs Wilson.
“Having the support of the local community and businesses, along with the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry, makes this town a good place to invest in,” she said.
“We have a diverse customer base and listen to the requirements of local businesses.
“This meant we branched out into a wider range of services, such as fire and fist aid training.
“And, we continue to support the local people, organisations and businesses in the Hunter.”
Exercise therapist Mrs Cherrett teaches residents about healthier lifestyles.
She now employs five casual staff.
“Muswellbrook people have always been fantastic supporters of my health and fitness business throughout the years,” she said.
“At present, our local economy is doing it tough, with job cuts and the subsequent loss of a skilled workforce who have been forced to relocate.
“We are all affected, whether it’s personal or business.
“To be honest, at this present time, it’s very hard for people to be confident with the threat of more job losses hanging over their heads.
“But, hang in there.
“Hopefully, council might be able to support us all in continuing to promote Muswellbrook local businesses, small and large.”
Mrs Cherrett said it was important to build a rapport with people who need professional assistance with changing poor lifestyle habits.
“This is not a career or a job for me – it’s a genuine passion to help others,” she said.
“My business provides a huge variety of training options under one roof; we are a respected health centre supported by client referrals from doctors, specialists and physiotherapists for those who need to recover, repair and rejuvenate.
“My current passion is to teach people how to fuel their bodies with my clean eating plans.
“The staff is constantly educating themselves with regular professional development courses, in addition to keeping abreast of current industry exercise trends, to keep our clients inspired and getting the best results.
“I also make myself available to everyone 24/7, every day.”