People expert to talk to traders

AN EXPERT in people management will give Dandenong retailers the lowdown on hiring, managing – and even firing – staff members.
Deborah Peppard of HR Staff n Stuff will provide her top 10 people management tips to retailers at the 2 September meeting of the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association (DRTA) at the Ramada Encore Hotel at 6pm.
DRTA chairman Roy Aspinall said finding the right people to help businesses prosper was becoming increasingly hard for retailers.
“The war for talent is crippling some small businesses – they cannot find the right people to fill their jobs, and when they do, they cannot manage them and cannot keep them,” he said.
“The situation is just going to get worse, with some staff shortages forcing small businesses to close their doors.”
An accredited human relations coach and with over 20 years of senior level retail and people management experience, Deborah Peppard started her career in small business culminating in winning the PMA National Young Achiever of the Year Award, and now brings a vast retail experience to the local area.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for retailers to attend a free seminar that can only assist in the management of their business and we are fortunate that Deborah Peppard, a DRTA member, has given of her time in this way,” Mr Aspinall said.
“All retailers are welcome at the general meeting, be they members or not, but we do hope that all retailers will eventually join.
“Attendance at the general meetings is a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow Central Dandenong retailers.
For information about the meeting or the DRTA contact Mr Aspinall on 9793 3487.