Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #247Broadcast date: 10 Sep 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuests: Janelle McIntosh (Labor), Nathan Tilbury (Independent), Warren Waddell (Liberal) If you were to ask a small business owner which level of government has the most impact on their business, to be honest, it would depend when you ask them. Right now small businesses are thinking about interest rates, rising complexities in compliance around hiring and keeping staff, cost of doing business and of course, the state of the economy right now. But frequently the decisions made by your local council can have an enormous impact on your ability to run a business. They are responsible for much of the red tape which can suffocate small business growth. Development planning of residential and commercial areas, parking, foot traffic, events, rubbish and recycling disposal, and increasingly finding the right people with the right skills who can afford to live locally. Small Biz Matters asked a number of businesses right here what they thought were the main concerns facing their small businesses at a local level and what they would like to see the new Hornsby mayor change to improve their economic outlook and make it easier to do business in Hornsby. Joining us live in the studio we have: Janelle McIntosh - Labor Nathan Tilbury - Independent Warren Waddell - Liberal PEOPLE –   What do you think is the number one issue for small business people right now? How will you improve engagement with local small business representatives?  Will you support the council creating a new role of economic development manager? POLICY -   Beyond the Hornsby After Dark campaign, how will you improve foot traffic for areas tenanted by predominantly small business? What policies will you implement in the first 12months for small businesses in Hornsby? PURPOSE - How many Chamber of commerce or other business events have you attended in the last 3years? Councillor Janelle McIntosh Janelle was born and raised in Hornsby Shire and together with her husband is raising her son here. She is passionate about local government, returning for her third term at Council after being first elected in 2004. Janelle is proud to have initiated many key issues and strategies such as Aboriginal Acknowledgement in Hornsby, the Economic Development & Tourism Strategy, Public Domain Guidelines, Dementia Friendly Hornsby, Street Library Grant program and the Healthy Ageing Strategy. She is well known for fostering engagement with the community and for active promotion of local businesses and organisations, Council issues, programs and events. To find out more about Janelle McIntosh’s campaign to be your local Mayor, click HERE Councillor Nathan Tilbury Nathan Tilbury was first elected as Councillor representative in 2012 and has served since. He genuinely knows and cares for his community. He is well known for his empathetic approach and his ability to listen to all residents, no matter how large or small their issue may be. To find out more about Janelle McIntosh’s campaign to be your local Mayor, click HERE Councillor Warren Waddell As a fifth-generation resident of Hornsby and a proud second-term Shire Councillor, I have a deep-rooted connection to our community. Growing up in Galston, attending Macquarie University, and managing my family’s historic orchard have all shaped my commitment to our Shire. My experience with local organizations such as the Hornsby Kuring Gai Women’s Shelter and Habitat for Humanity has reinforced my dedication to creating a safe and thriving environment for everyone To find out more about Warren Waddell’s campaign to be your local Mayor, click HERE