Brian Bell optimistic about ’21

By GYNNIE KERO
THE Brian Bell group is optimistic that 2021 will see another strong trading performance despite the expected challenges, according to chairman Ian Clough.
Clough said the group recorded a “very solid” performance in 2020, especially considering the impacts from the global Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
The Brian Bell group operates in seven provinces, 17 different locations across Papua New Guinea and has been a business leader in the country for 63 years.
Despite the Covid-19, the group continued with its aggressive capital investment in the country and supported all of its 1,200 team members nationwide through the state of emergency.
The Brian Bell group operates a diverse portfolio of businesses including its home centres, trade electrical, chemicals, agriculture and property divisions.
In the last financial year, Clough noted that some of the group’s businesses performed better than others.
He said the chemicals business had a strong year as a result of the focus on cleaning and hygiene with more people buying cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPEs).
“In the consumer area (Homecentres division), we saw a mixed year with the first half being challenged through the lockdown period as customers couldn’t always get to our products.
“However, in the second half of the year, we saw very positive results as customers responded to our strong product offer and Christmas programme,” he said.
“It was encouraging that we had a strong Christmas period and January (this month).
“Customers responded strongly to our clearance promotions so far and we expect to continue to trade aggressively this year.
“Our property business was also strong last year as we launched a number of key projects which included the Gordon Plaza shopping centre and executive residential property with 39 apartments in downtown Port Moresby.
“Despite the Covid-19, we remained committed to our capital programme and our team was able to deliver these projects into the market with fantastic results.
“This year, the group is focused on regional locations with its new Homecentre in Mt Hagen launching in early February.
“Overall as a group, we are encouraged by the strong performance in difficult times.
“Our teams have worked very hard last year to ensure we look after our customers and support them through their challenges.
“The Sir Brian Bell Foundation is the biggest shareholder in the group.
“In 2020, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation supported communities, programmes and individuals right across the country with our biggest ever contribution since its establishment five years ago. The foundation supports 15 provinces around the country.
“Our team knows that when customers shop in our stores, it allows us to give back to our communities.”
Clough spoke of his late grandfather Sir Brian Bell saying he was passionate about giving back to the communities in which the company served.
This passion was the reason for the establishment of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation focusing on those areas that it could add the most value – health and education.
The foundation’s chief executive officer is Clough’s sister Bronwyn Wright.
“Bronwyn is another passionate Papua New Guinean and we’re proud that we can continue Sir Brian’s legacy and help the people of PNG in some small way.”