Key Facts:
- Gold Coast restructuring expert Glenn O’Kearney of GT Advisory & Consulting is warning struggling small businesses in retail, hospitality, and construction not to rely on Christmas trading to resolve legacy debts, cautioning that a sharp drop in trade by February 2027 could leave operators with no viable turnaround options.
- Cost-of-living pressures, interest rate uncertainty, soaring commercial rents, and market oversaturation are squeezing margins, with Gold Coast hospitality venues particularly affected by subdued mid-week foot traffic and an influx of new competitors into already saturated dining precincts.
- Rather than adopting a wait-and-see approach, GT Advisory is urging viable but…