Kia ora ,
Last week 70 Hutt Valley business leaders attended the Women in Business event at the Silverstream Retreat. Listening, learning, networking and connecting was the order of the day.
This event was a fantastic example of how coming together and connecting can be valuable for a business.
But do we spend enough time on connections and what does this mean for our businesses? Two conversations yesterday made me think about the importance of connections.
Connections can be very important for businesses for a number of reasons:
- Business Networking: Connections provide businesses with opportunities to meet, network and learn from other businesses and individuals in the Hutt Valley area. This can help businesses to build relationships, establish new business opportunities, and create networks.
- Access to Resources: Connections can also provide businesses with access to resources that they may not have had otherwise. This can include access to ideas, support, or getting to know others that have specialised skills and expertise.
- Advocacy: As representatives of the business community the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce provide advocacy for the interests of businesses in various forums and meetings. Connections are critical in allowing businesses to have a stronger voice in matters that affect their businesses.
- Visibility: Connections can help businesses to increase their visibility and profile within the business community. This can lead to increased brand recognition, new customers, and new work.
Overall, building connections makes a difference and is a valuable asset for your businesses, helping you to succeed and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Come along to one of our upcoming events and connect. You will not regret it.
In this edition of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Chamber Updates
- Celebrating our Silver Partners
- National Updates
Does Your Business Want & Need R&D Funding?
Share Your Diversity Views and Win
Increase To The Minimum Wage
- Local & Regional News
Hutt Valley Accountants and Business Advisors Win Big
Is the Hutt Valley Prepared for Floods?
- Events
- Following The Euro - Doing Business In The EU
- Training Workshops
- Upper Hutt Business? Smash Your Revenue Goals In 2023 With Smarter Marketing
- Discover the power of Project Management: Unlocking Big Success for Small Businesses
- Member Offers
From Torpedo7 and 2degrees
- Employment Opportunities
- Are You Hiring?
CHAMBER UPDATES
Celebrating our Silver Partners
This week, we want to put the spotlight on our Silver Partners who play an important role in the work that we do here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. They are great Hutt Valley businesses that have chosen to provide additional support for the Chambers' work to help connect, advocate for, and inform the business community every day.
As partners of your Chamber of Commerce, we encourage you to connect to them when you need the specialist services they are offering.
The following businesses have chosen to become Silver Partners of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Link - Business Brokers
- LINK’s professional reputation is built on integrity, honesty, uncompromising quality, and a passion for bringing businesses and purchasers together.
- LINK’s team of industry specialists are committed to helping businesses maximise their value and facilitate a smooth transition period.
- With a strong focus on workplace training and rigid quality control, LINK is established as the authority on selling businesses.
For more information – https://linkbusiness.co.nz/
McKone Consultancy
- McKone Consultancy is your employee relations business partner. We participate with our clients in a strongly collaborative partnership, which offers high value thinking and process, resulting in everyone finding their truth to help our clients deliver on their investment in their people.
- We under take independent employment investigations, assessments through audits, advocacy in negotiations, advice through solid interpretation and knowledge, assistance and support on an as-required basis and alignment of your people and your business.
For more information – https://www.mckoneconsultancy.com/
Synthesis Marketing
- Better business through smart marketing
- We combine strategy, digital marketing, traditional marketing, and sales to create the business growth and recognition you are looking for.
- Working collaboratively with you, we start by setting in place the most effective strategy to hit your growth objectives. Then our specialists in each field will execute your marketing with focus and creativity, to generate real results.
For more information - https://synthesis.co.nz/
NATIONAL UPDATES
Does Your Business Want & Need R&D Funding?
‘It’s complicated’, ‘It takes ages for my business to access funding.’
These are some of the things we hear about the government incentives landscape for businesses conducting research and development or seeking to accelerate projects in NZ.
The research and development tax incentive (RDTI) offers a 15% tax credit on expenditure incurred to conduct eligible research and development (R&D). If your business is thinking about developing new or improved products, processes, or software, then you need to join hundreds of businesses of all sizes and industries across NZ that have claimed and received money since 2020.
The Government has recently announced that RDTI claimants will soon have the option to access an interest-free government loan as R&D is conducted, so businesses can receive support closer to when R&D costs are incurred. Claimants will be able to draw down the majority of the value of the expected R&D tax credit for a particular income year in up to 3 regular payments.
There are also new grants available to support businesses starting off on their R&D journey and a range of other non-dilutive grant opportunities that can accelerate business sustainability initiatives.
Come and hear more about how your business might be eligible for these government incentives from the experts at EY who have a combined 70+ years of dedicated grants and R&D tax incentives experience.
When: Wednesday 15th March
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce,
Level 3, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt
A light breakfast will be served.
Share Your Diversity Views and Win
We are helping Diversity Works New Zealand gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and inclusion issues that really matter to New Zealand businesses by asking our members to complete the 2023 New Zealand Workplace Diversity Survey.
Everyone who completes the survey can enter the draw to win one of five $200 shopping vouchers.
Plus, we will share the results of this important research with you later in the year.
The survey closes on Friday, March 24 so have your say here.
Increase To The Minimum Wage
The Government have announced that from 1 April 2023 the minimum adult wage in New Zealand increases from $21.20 to $22.70.
But what does this mean for your business and what are some of the things you need to consider?
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Silver Partner, Tony McKone from McKone Consultancy has some great advice.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS
Hutt Valley Accountants and Business Advisors Win Big
Local Hutt Valley firm PKF Kendons, part of the PKF New Zealand network of Accountants and Business Advisors, has been awarded the prestigious Xero National Partner of the Year award. The award recognises PKF Kendons outstanding contribution and commitment within the PKF NZ network in helping businesses across the Hutt Valley achieve their financial goals.
Xero presented the award in recognition of their exceptional performance in delivering innovative and effective solutions to their clients. The PKF NZ and PKF Kendons team of experts have consistently demonstrated their deep understanding of Xero's software and have effectively used it to help clients improve their financial management.
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the PKF Kendons team who continue to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service to their clients. PKF Kendons success is attributed to their personalised approach to client service, as they work closely with businesses to understand their unique financial needs and goals. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a commitment to excellence, they continue to set the standard for accounting and business advisory services in New Zealand.
You can contact PFK Kendons:
Phone - 04 566 4399
Email - kendons@kendons.co.nz
Website - https://kendons.co.nz/
Is the Hutt Valley Prepared for Floods?
We all saw the results of the recent weather event across Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle. But is the Hutt Valley prepared for this kind of event?
Whilst the RiverLink project is a major part of the work to prepare the Hutt Valley for a one in 100-year flooding event, here at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce we were interested in what the emergency management plans are for our region.
We asked Jeremy Holmes, Regional Manager, Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for his comments.
‘Wellington’s emergency preparedness is something we can all help with … The Wellington region is an awesome place to live, but it’s also a little wild. We often experience earthquakes, storms, flooding and landslides. We’re also at risk from tsunami.
While we can never be 100% prepared for a large-scale event, we are confident in our capabilities to support the region during an emergency. Following the Christchurch earthquakes on 2011, the Wellington region’s councils have invested in emergency management across the region and the Wellington Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group is considered a leader nationally and internationally in many areas.
The recent flooding in Auckland and now the devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle has reinforced that events can occur unexpectedly, with little or no warning. Household, business and community preparedness, along with the efforts of the official emergency response, is critical. We work with partner agencies and communities to constantly improve our level of preparedness.
The region has many established plans and processes in place that get practiced on a regular basis through real events and practice scenarios. WREMO also works closely with communities to help us all prepare for disaster by: understanding their risks, having an emergency plan, storing emergency water, and knowing where their nearest Community Emergency Hub is.
Our region regularly receives severe weather and other events. The regularity of these events allows us to practice and refine our processes. WREMO also has established plans and processes to request support from other parts of the country and central government if it should be required. Everyone has something to offer and a role to play before, during and after an emergency.
Does your business have a plan if it is interrupted? Create a business continuity plan today and find templates and examples at www.wremo.nz.
EVENTS
Following The Euro - Doing Business In The EU
When: Tuesday 28 March | 7:45am - 9:30am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: $10
Join the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and German New Zealand Chambers of Commerce for an informative panel discussion on the newly concluded NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement and the significant economic opportunities it presents for New Zealand businesses.
Learn from industry experts, including Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary of Trade and Economic at MFAT, about the benefits of the agreement and how it can benefit Kiwi businesses.
Get insights on how to connect with the EU market and the support available from NZTE, thanks to Ann Clifford, Customer Director - Food, Beverage & Consumer Goods.
Representatives from France, Germany, and Spain (plus more to follow) will also provide short country pitches highlighting the opportunities within their respective countries.
Don't miss this chance to expand your business opportunities and optimize your reach into the EU market.
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Upper Hutt Business? Smash Your Revenue Goals In 2023 With Smarter Marketing
When: Tuesday 21 March 2023 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018
Cost: None
As 2023 gets into full swing, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead and put in place the marketing strategies and tactics that will ensure that you smash your revenue goals over the next 12 months!
In this workshop, Richard (Director of Synthesis Marketing) and his team will cover the following areas:
- Marketing your business in 4 easy steps
- Where to put your marketing effort and budget
- Tips on creating a successful action plan
- Marketing trends to watch for
- These sessions are not only informative but they are also a great opportunity to network with others in the room and share ideas.
Walk away with resources to keep your marketing efforts on track
Synthesis Marketing is the official Digital Partner of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce for 2023.
Discover the power of Project Management:
Unlocking Big Success for Small Businesses
When: Wednesday 22 March & Wednesday 29 March | 8am - 12pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St, Lower Hutt
Cost: Chamber Member: $575.00 | Non - Member: $695.00
This two half-day (total 8 hours) interactive workshop facilitated by Vered Ohanna, the founder of 'Success Engineering', will provide small business owners practical approach to implement the basics of project management in their small business create big impact by transforming to an outcome focused approach, better leadership and clearer communication, improve efficiencies within the business that increase value.
The workshop is designed for the business owners to bring from their own experience into the training, in a facilitated manner that increases close networking and the shared level of insight across different types of businesses, as well as creating the opportunity for collaborations between the participating businesses.
Click here to see testimonials from participants of previous workshops.
MEMBER OFFERS
Torpedo7 Offer For Hutt Valley Chamber Members
Get Up to 50 percent off a huge range of gear at Torpedo7. Offer Applies in-store or online (see flyer for codes).
Offer is available from 17th February to 27th February.
Exclusive 2degrees Broadband & Mobile Chamber Member Offers
Broadband to boost your business – As a Chamber member you will get 3 months FREE and you will get 10% for the life of your plan when you sign up for a 24-month Unlimited Broadband Plan.
Get double data for 12 months and $400 off any device over $999 on interest-free, when you join on a Business Choice $58 and above plan, plus as a Chamber member you will get 20% off the life of your plan
Want More Member Offers?
To see a list of our member's offers visit our Members Marketplace on our website here or check out our Hutt Valley Chamber App to see a list of all the deals we have on offer for Chamber members.
You can download our Hutt Valley Chamber App from the Apple App Store here and the Google Play Store here. Please contact Patrick patrick@hvchamber.org.nz for account instructions or questions.
EMPLOYMENT
Are You Hiring?
If you have a job suitable for a student get in touch with our Education to Employment Coordinator Amanda Walters at amanda@hvchamber.org.nz or call 049399821.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
