The struggling retail sector is a key topic of discussion in Newman for our local small businesses citing a decrease in foot traffic, security concerns and the cost of living as driving forces contributing to a significant revenue downtown. One of the local business co-owners, Kayla Elliott of SportsPower, is setting the example for changing the narrative. Kayla has been instrumental in bringing the concerns of the local business community to the attention of the relevant stakeholders with the purpose of finding viable and sustainable solutions.

SportsPower registered with the Local Buying Program in 2019 with the purpose of identifying an additional income stream for their business operations and have since completed Work Instructions for the supply of gym, sporting and recreational equipment, massage chairs for wellness rooms, custom work jackets and the COVID19 service delivery program. Local engagement via the LBP creates a cycle for BHP to support small businesses. Each transaction through the Program sees funds allocated to the Local Buying Foundation for business development opportunities and sustaining local businesses in the community. Additionally, SportsPower is heavily invested in the local community through sponsorship agreements that contribute directly to the running of sporting clubs and community events during the year.

“Our first thoughts were that the Local Buying Program seemed to be an exciting opportunity to capture sales for SportsPower with BHP, a business that can often seem out of reach being such a different industry in comparison to retail.” Kayla Elliott, Owner of SportsPower, Newman.