Collaboration is the key to bushfire recovery.
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That was the message for fire-affected businesses at a recovery workshop held in Bowral on Wednesday night.
More than 60 people attended the free event, supported by several groups including the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chair Steve Horton said the recent bushfires had affected businesses whether they were inside and outside of the fire grounds.
"The whole area is fire-affected, we may not be directly burnt but we're affected by the fire situation," he said.
Mr Horton drove home the message that marketing was an important consideration to achieve results.
"There are all different types of advertising. You can't have a one type of advertising fits all approach," he said.
"You've got to find the right fit for your business."
Mr Horton said collaboration between businesses was also an important aspect of the recovery process.
"What I spoke about was the more we collaborate together with all the different agencies and media groups, the more chance we've got of recovering," he said.
"We need to collaborate as businesses in the way we market, it gives us more strength."
Mr Horton reminded people that businesses struggled before the current fire season started.
"Everyone keeps talking about the fire period, we've been in the fire period since September," he said.
"It's only just starting to wane, but we were already going into recession from the drought.
A second business recovery workshop will be held at 411 Bong Bong Street, Bowral on Tuesday, February 11 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
The workshop gives businesses an insight into where to go for government and private assistance, and how this help can benefit businesses.
Business leaders can also find out how to gain exposure, how to embrace online engagement and some short-term steps to recovery.
Registrations: www.shchamber.com.au or www.facebook.com/shchamber
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