Happy New Year and welcome back

Happy New Year and welcome back – I hope that you all found time for a break and some restorative time with those closest to you.

As recently as September I wrote in our Annual Report that we hoped for a better 2022 with whatever challenges might be thrust upon us.

I also expressly avoided making any predictions because without the powers of a soothsayer, it was certainly not easy to read the tea leaves given the last two years of disruption.

I know that many of you have been doing it tough already in 2022 – I know the supply chain is still tenuous, the absenteeism from not only positive cases but close contacts, and just general disruption, fatigue and frustration.

We are here to support you, and while the team are not able to fill in for welders, machinists or technicians, we are able to provide a live and responsive dialogue with Government at all levels, ensuring they are aware of and addressing your challenges on the ground.  This policy setting is responsive and your intelligence on the ground is proving extremely useful in shaping responses to the ongoing challenges.

The special close contact arrangements for our industry is one such issue but is constantly evolving.  You can read the details here. We urge that if you ensure you have put appropriate risk mitigation in place to ensure the health and well-being of all concerned.

The HVIA team are back in full swing with a plethora of issues to resolve, and projects, activities and event planning under way – all of which are focussed around delivering value to you – our members.

As much as you can, I urge you to get involved and at very least make sure you keep opening Talk the Torque to ensure you are across the issues that will affect your business.

No doubt there will be more bumps before we enjoy any smooth sailing, but we are in this together – please pick up the phone if we can be any help.

Wishing you all the very best for the year ahead,

Todd Hacking
Chief Executive Officer – HVIA