COVID-19 Support and Help for Business
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Hi
Covid-19 continues to be one of the major topics of conversation across our business community. This week saw some changes in the rules at Level 2 in our region, and Level 3 in Auckland.
These changes in alert levels are positive but the Prime Minister’s message was very clear. Vaccination is our most effective tool to move forward and avoid lockdown situations in the future. Vaccinations and New Zealand’s route away from restrictions and lockdowns continue to be a significant conversation for businesses across our region. Nearly half (48%) of eligible New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated and 79% of people age 12+ have had at least one dose. Across the Hutt Valley the latest information indicates around 75% of the eligible population have had at least one vaccine dose.
We know that our business community is concerned for the safety of all the people that work with them and for the safety of their customers. We have been asked many questions this week about what a business might be able to ask of their staff, new employees, and their customers. In this issue of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly we are really pleased to provide opportunities to hear from experts from Gibson Sheat Lawyers and also have your say in a survey to help us understand how you are feeling. This will provide us with some data to advocate for your business with local and central government. The two opportunities are:
Answer a short survey about Covid 19 and Vaccinations
* Be in To WIN A $200 Prezzy Card sponsored by Gibson Sheat.
QR Code For Survey
A Webinar to hear from experts about "What is important in talking to my staff and customers about Covid 19 and vaccinations?"
- Legal experts from Gibson Sheat Lawyers will provide their views and answer questions you might have.
We look forward to you hearing from you about this important topic.
Check out our other great events as well.
I welcome your views and opinions at any time. Just email me at ceo@hvchamber.org.nz or call me on 021 248 1203.
Thanks
Patrick McKibbin
Chief Executive
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Latest COVID-19 Business Updates
Accessing the Government Financial Support
There is ongoing support for all businesses around New Zealand not just Auckland.
COVID 19 LEVEL 2 UPDATE
The Government has now removed the 100 person cap for hospitality, but still ask hospitality to use the seated and separated rule. This will also apply to other events spaces, and further guidance will be issued regarding this. Social gatherings that do not use the seated and separated rule, will still have to comply with the 100 person cap.
If we want to see the return of large-scale gatherings and events, we all need to do our part and get vaccinated. Even better, if you are vaccinated, support and encourage a business colleague who isn’t vaccinated to get vaccinated.
View Information on this here.
The Government has approved a fourth round of COVID-19 wage subsidy payment.
Applications for the fourth August 2021 COVID-19 Wage Subsidy opened at 9.00am, Friday 1 October and will close at 11.59pm Thursday 14 October.
Wage subsidies will continue to be available for any eligible businesses across the country while Auckland transitions through Level 3 stages.
Information on how to apply here.
The Prime Minister confirmed on 5th October the Resurgence Support payment will be available in three-weekly instalments as long as anywhere in the country is at alert Level 2 settings.
Applications are still open for the first two payments. The next payment should open for previous payments and the next payment will be scheduled for 29th October 2021.
Information on how to apply here.
Information on doing business at Level 2 here.
MANDATORY RECORDING OF VISITORS in effect now.
Latest Business News
IRD's Final Business Transformation Change - For Tax Intermediaries
The second and final release is planned for October 2021 and includes changes to.
- Child Support
- Upgrading to a new version of myIR
- Tax on income
- Other changes
These business transformation changes are explained fully by IRD, with some great informative videos outlining these changes in great detail.
To find out more about these changes click here.
Upper Hutt Business Centre Secures New Tenant
The former Ag Research Centre in Wallaceville, Upper Hutt has secured a new 20 year lease with Kiwirail. They plan to build a new 1300sqm train control room and use 2700sqm for 120 staff in the strengthened Buddle building. They plan to move into in the location in December 2022.
View the news article here.
Hutt City Integrated Transport Strategy
Hutt City Council is continuing to develop a new Integrated Transport Strategy to help tackle Lower Hutt’s growing transport and development challenges.
Hutt residents use cars for most of their trips, but it is getting harder to travel around, especially for those who don't usually travel by car. With more people expected to call Lower Hutt their home in the future, we need to create a better balance between different forms of transport, so everyone's travel needs are met.
Last week, Hutt City launched a Survey to better understand people’s travel needs and habits to help us get the balance right. This survey runs until 5 October 2021 and Hutt City invite you to complete this survey and share this link with your whanau, friends, colleagues and networks – the more responses we get the more representative our final strategy will be.
Please fill in this survey to have your say.
Upcoming Events
Women In Business with Derelee Potroz-Smith, Sponsored by Bronze Partners iPayroll
Wednesday, 3 November 2021
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Join us for our second Women In Business Lunch of the year, sponsored by Bronze Partner iPayroll.
We have another fascinating speaker Derelee Potrez-Smith, CEO & Founder, Woolchemy NZ.
Derelee will share her experiences about:
- How women have all the skills to re-invent themselves and how to lead with purpose
- how women are underrepresented in the business boardroom and the pathway to get involved with governance
- Time management tools and tricks
- Juggling family and work
Facebook Basics for Business
19 October 2021, 8:30am - 10:00 am
For the third workshop in this series, Silver Partner, Synthesis Marketing is again helping businesses get more confident online. There is no charge to attend this workshop, which will cover:
At this session, the team from Synthesis Marketing, will take you through the how to use Facebook for Business.
- Setting up a business Facebook page
- Using Business Suite
- Posting content
- Getting insights into your audience
- Customising your business page
Modern Workplace Workshop - Get More Out
Of Microsoft
20 October 2021, 10:00am-11:30am
Daniel Bohan, Sales and Communications Manager for Layer3 will guide you in a look at several useful modern workplace applications. He will show you the features and some of what they do in the context of possible real life scenarios. You will then have the opportunity to discuss as a group, how you might employ the tools in your own business.
Learn how to view these modern workplace tools for the possibilities of how they can be used rather than just what they are and start unlocking a modern approach to collaboration and productivity in your business.
This event would benefit companies using Microsoft 365 and with at least several employees.
LINK Business Broking Seminar
2 November, 5:30 am - 7:30 pm
Silver Partner, LINK Business Broking are running a seminar for anyone who is interested in buying or selling a business.
LINK's professional reputation is built on integrity, honesty, uncompromising quality, and a passion for bringing businesses and purchasers together. Their experienced experts receive rigorous, industry-leading training, deliver sound, smart advice and are uncompromising when it comes to meeting professional standards.
LINK has been connecting business buyer and sellers since 1996 and they are trusted to get results.
Presented by Karl Jenner, the seminar will cover the following areas;
- How are businesses appraised
- What impacts value
- Maximising the sale value of your business
- How to avoid over paying for a business
- What buyers look for and sellers shouldn’t try to hide
BNZ Tech Series
11 November, 5:30 am - 7:30 pm
Platinum Partner BNZ are hosting us for our second of the BNZ Technology and Innovation Series.
We have another three fascinating speakers from local businesses.
Kristy Grant, CEO, Lane Street Studios. Based in Upper Hutt they provide a screen production experience that is flexible and purpose built for TV, film, gaming. Kristy will update us on how the studios are coming along and how the team is working to develop training programmes and opportunities to support the New Zealand screen sector.
Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO, Woolchemy. Based in Upper Hutt, Woolchemy, NZ is an innovation ‘mother’ company, formed with one goal in mind: to transform an abundant base material [wool] into something more valuable, using sustainable, environmental and ethical processes.
Colin Daly, CEO, Niche Modular Construction. Based in Petone Niche Modular deliver exceptional volumetric modular building solutions through a combination of processes – both Manufacturing & Construction – or as we like to term it “Manustructuring”.
Gibson Sheat Political Series - Judith Collins
25 November, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Join us for lunch and hear from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Judith Collins. There will also be opportunity for Q&A.
Due to the change in alert levels, all of our events are subject to change. Events taking place at level 2 will require participants to follow Covid 19 protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing.
Current Student Vacancies
We have a number of new vacancies on our website. These positions are suitable for students or school leavers.
Welcome To Our New Member
Evolution Business Performance
Evolution Business Performance works with CEOs, directors and CFOs to make sense of their financial and business performance reporting and help in the budgeting and cash flow processes.
There highly configurable dashboards and reports will show you powerful insights and let you know where you are, but what is more important, where you are going.
Business Analytics will help you discover the Key Performance Indicators which drives your business to better operational and financial performance.
To find out how they can assist your business please call Laura on 021 853 773 or email her on contact@evolutionbp.co.nz.
- Patrick McKibbin, CEO and the Chamber Team
Keep your network up to date by inviting others to receive the Hutt Valley Business Weekly here.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
