I hope that you all managed to have some well-earned rest over the two long weekends that we have had. I managed to enjoy the sunshine, get some chores done and spend some time with the family, BUT it is certainly back into work to support you and the business community after the break.
This week we have been very lucky to showcase the amazing Lane Street Studios to over 100 business people from across the Hutt Valley. These new film studios, based in Upper Hutt, will create hundreds of jobs, bring money into our local economy, and create an ecosystem of businesses that can support the studios. The special collaboration and willingness to open doors that I saw at this event is really a showcase of what the Hutt Valley business community is all about. This is why I love my job at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. I loved seeing our members and the business community working together and having a bit of fun along the way.
I have also been working on our response to the proposed rates increases from our two Councils. It is very important we give feedback on behalf of the business community and a number of you have already sent me some feedback. It’s not too late to have your say, either directly or through our response. Just let me know if you have any feedback via my email patrick@hvchamber.org.nz or phone me on 021 248 1203, and I will include it.
In this edition, we have some great events coming up and lots of great learning opportunities as follows:
- Our Upcoming 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Lights, Camera, Action - Raising The Bar For The NZ Film Industry
- Have Your Say - Fair Pay Agreements Bill
- Perfect Storm for Business Confidence
- The 2022 Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards
- Upcoming Events
- Spotlight On Mental Health Week
- BNZ Tech Series - Tech & Innovation (May 2022)
- Free Upcoming Training
- 3 Steps To Meaningful Online Meetings Workshop
- How To Mentally Cope With Stressful Situations Training
- Social Media Marketing for Business Success - Marketing Training
- Time Management Mastery Workshop
- Member Offers
- Some Great Offers from The Settlement, Whitecliffe College, WellingtonNZ, Kaleidoscope Solutions (Imagine App) and PaySauce
- Employment Opportunities
- Production and Administration Roles
Our 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
We would like to invite you to attend our AGM on Tuesday, 24 May 2022.
For members and non-members attending we request that you are seated at the venue no later than 5.25pm on the day. Doors open at 5:00pm. There will be no entry allowed after 5.30pm.
The Chamber is currently seeking nominees with strong governance skills, a passion for the Hutt Valley’s growth and a wide business experience. The Board is made up of eight members, including the President, and three co-opted members. There are two vacancies for the 2022/2023 Board elections.
We look forward to seeing you at Level 3, DSV House, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt on Tuesday 24th May 2022.
To attend the AGM, register here.
"Lights, Camera, Action" - Raising The Bar For The NZ Film Industry
Hutt Valley Chamber Member, Lane Street Studios, offered us an exclusive opportunity to see behind the scenes of their purpose-built professional film studio before opening their doors.
Lane Street Studios will be the most sophisticated purpose-built studio facility in NZ, with the ability to attract a range of global production houses to base themselves in Upper Hutt. Yet to open, they already have a lot of interest from international clients.
It was exciting hearing Kristy Grant, CEO of Lane Street Studios share about the opportunities this facility will provide for our region and NZ as a whole. We were joined by over 100 people from businesses across the Hutt Valley keen to hear about the journey so far and the plans for the future.
It was great to hear about how Lane Street Studios anticipate around 600 people will be employed when the studios are operating at full capacity.
There will be many opportunities for businesses to support Lane Street Studios when they open their doors in the middle of this year.
Have Your Say - Fair Pay Agreements Bill
A Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) Bill was introduced into Parliament on 29 March 2022. Whilst the FPA is welcomed by unions, Business NZ have indicated they strongly oppose it stating "...compulsory FPAs are unlawful under current domestic and international employment laws, and not in the best interests of the workforce".
For an article summarising the FPA and its implications, click here.
The bill is not law, and employers and employees alike have the opportunity to air their views as part of the select committee’s public submission process, open until May 19.
Make a submission here.
Perfect Storm for Business Confidence
The latest Hutt Valley Business Confidence Survey supported by our Bronze Partner, Red Hot Business Coaching, at the end of March indicates that the Hutt Valley business community is facing a ‘perfect storm’ of challenges. On top of many businesses dealing with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including staff having to isolate over the last few months, businesses are continuing to face other barriers. These include finding talent, rising inflation, and the cost of goods and services to run their business. These challenges don’t look like they are going away any time soon with business indicating they are likely to continue for the next 3 to 6 months. Businesses' ability to ‘meet changes in customer demand since COVID-19’ are being greatly impacted, which is likely to drive decisions by businesses to increase the selling price of their products as their average costs increase, which in turn drives lower profitability.
You can read more about how businesses are feeling and see the data from the survey here.
The 2022 Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards Are Coming
Entries for the prestigious Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards open on Friday, July 1st which will be celebrated at a black-tie gala hosted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors on Friday, November 18th.
The awards, now in their 14th year, celebrate local businesses that contribute to the region's vibrant and successful business community, and our local economy.
There are 11 categories for the awards, which include: Manufacturing, Technology and Innovation, Hospitality, Tourism and Retail, Service and Support, Construction, Trades and Infrastructure, Logistics and Export, Not for Profit, Best Emerging Business, Employer Excellence through Covid, and Environmental Excellence.
The overall winner selected from the category winners will be awarded the Supreme Business of the Year Award. The Awards will also induct a business into the Hall of fame.
Entries close on Friday, September 16th at 5pm and finalists will be announced and celebrated at a Finalist Function on Thursday, October 27th.
For more information and updates on the awards click here.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor contact Annette on:
04 9399821 or annette@hvchamber.org.nz.
Financial Support Available For Workers In Self-Isolation
There are also, two different payments available when workers need to self-isolate because of COVID-19 or are waiting on a test result and can't work from home. These are the:
- COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme
- COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment.
Employers or the self-employed can apply for these payments to help pay wages. There are no revenue tests.
To find out more about these payment options, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spotlight On Mental Health Week
Businesses have been through a challenging time over the last two years, and it is important now more than ever to take the time to think about the mental health & wellbeing of yourself and others to help in your business and personal life.
During our spotlight on mental health week we have invited Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members that are industry experts in various areas of health & wellbeing to share insight into some of their strategies to help maintain balance and cope with stress and anxiety.
Each day at 10am we will be releasing content created for our Mental Health Spotlight week.
Follow us on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages @huttvalleychmaber to keep up to date with our Spotlight On Mental Health week.
When: May 09 - May 13
Time: 10am Daily
Where: Online | On our Facebook & LinkedIn Pages
Price: No Cost
Our BNZ Tech Series Is Back For 2022
We're back alongside our Platinum Sponsor, BNZ, with Our Technology & Innovation Series.
Join us for our first of 3 evenings celebrating tech and innovation in the Hutt Valley featuring local businesses and hearing from 3 speakers from different industries.
Featured speakers on the night include:
- Audrea Topps Harjo - Chief Operations Officer at A44 Games,
- Marie-Claire Andrews - Head of Sales and Marketing at PaySauce
- Colin Robson - Branch Manager and Director at HTS Group Limited.
When: Thursday 19 May
Time: 5:30am - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt
Price: From $25 + GST
ACT's Plan To Support Businesses
As part of our Gibson Sheat Political Series, the Hutt Valley Chamber is hosting a breakfast with David Seymour, ACT Party Leader and MP for Epsom. He is also the spokesperson for the COVID-19 response and Finance.
This is an opportunity for the Business community to hear how ACT would support the business community and will talk to areas that our business community have identified as barriers to improving their confidence.
When: Wednesday 08 June
Time: 7:30am - 9:30am
Where: Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club
Price: From $45 + GST
2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance
As part of the Gibson Sheat Political Series the Hutt Valley Chamber is hosting Hon Grant Robertson - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Infrastructure, Racing, Sport & Recreation for a lunch.
This is an opportunity for the Business community to hear an update on the 2022 Budget and what it means for business. This is also a chance to hear about what plan the Labour Government have to support the growth of business and the economy in coming years as NZ recovers from the effects of COVID-19 and addresses other challenges businesses are facing.
When: Tuesday 14 June
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Where: Silverstream Retreat
Price: From $45 + GST
UPCOMING TRAINING
3 Steps To Meaningful Online Meetings - Online Meetings Mastery Workshop
Hutt Valley Chamber Member Jussi Lukkonen is offering two online training events in May. These short, sharp lunch sessions are packed full of helpful tips & tricks.
Jussi can help you achieve more. He has 30+ years of experience in Coaching, Facilitation and Content Production. He has been working as a Leader, Strategist, and Creative Solutions Expert in Europe and New Zealand. Jussi’s core offering is coaching, mentoring and facilitating leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams to become more successful and results-driven. His motto is: Let’s Bring The Best Out In People!
After this first session you will:
- Learn how to save time, money and nerves by following three easy steps to boost your online meetings.
- Learn quick fixes to make tremendous improvements and get more out of your online meetings.
- Have a fun and interactive workshop on mastery of online meetings
When: Tuesday 3 May 2022
Time: 12 pm - 12:45pm
Where: Online
Price: No Cost
How To Mentally Cope With Stressful Situations - Resilience Training
Chamber member Savvy Up has partnered up with Heartfulness, a worldwide non-profit to run a "Heartful Resilience" session.
By the end of the session, you will:
- Know what resilience is
- Know the science behind resilience
- Learn how our emotions contribute to a crisis
- Learn how we create our own reality and how we can change it
- Find out a unique approach to resilience by reducing the crisis in the first place rather than managing it once it hits us
- Experience Heartfulness Relaxation.
When: Monday 9 May 2022
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Where: Online
Price: No Cost
Social Media Marketing for Business Success - Marketing Training
Success in social marketing comes from understanding the channels that your customers are using and the types of messages that will connect with them.
At this session, Richard Smith and Brendan Martin from Synthesis Marketing will share the latest tips on how to use Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to drive customer interaction and increase enquiries and/or foot traffic.
Topics to be covered include:
- How New Zealanders are using different social media platforms
- Top features of each platform
- Content style options to maximise engagement
- How to integrate social media into your wider marketing
- Paid social media advertising, including Ads and boost options
When: Tuesday 10 May 2022
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Level 3, 15 Daly Street
Price: No Cost
Time Management For The Rest Of Us - Time Management Mastery Workshop
Hutt Valley Chamber Member Jussi Lukkonen is offering two free online training events in May. These short, sharp lunch sessions are packed full of helpful tips & tricks.
Jussi can help you achieve more. He has 30+ years of experience in Coaching, Facilitation and Content Production. He has been working as a Leader, Strategist, and Creative Solutions Expert in Europe and New Zealand. Jussi’s core offering is coaching, mentoring and facilitating leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams to become more successful and results-driven. His motto is: Let’s Bring The Best Out In People!
In this 45 minute session you will:
- Learn to get more time and more done in time.
- If you struggle to manage your time, this micro-workshop will help you get on top of your time and tasks.
This is a fun and interactive masterclass of time management.
When: Tuesday 24 May 2022
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Where: Online
Price: No Cost
Future Events & Training
We have several more events and training workshops coming up throughout the year. These will include:
- Business After Five networking events
- Gibson Sheat's Political Series
- BNZ Technology & Innovation Series
- Business Safaris
- Women in Business Events
- Learning & Development workshops from our partners
Plus many more!
To stay up to date with all our events & training, keep an eye out on future issues of the Hutt Valley Business Weekly. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see these events as they come up.
MEMBER OFFERS
Co~work, Meet and Host at The Settlement
Trial The Settlement in Petone or Upper Hutt, for a fortnight for free!
Breathe life back into your work. Their premium co-working spaces are beautiful, intuitive, and filled with natural light, designer furniture, dedicated desks, and break-out spaces. Fully equipped meeting rooms mean you can be proud to meet your clients, host workshops, and so much more.
Their Petone space is located on bustling Jackson Street, and is a short stroll from the beach, cafes, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, public transport and boutique stores. Their Upper Hutt space is in the heart of the Brewtown precinct, with breweries and eateries on the doorstep, as well as essential amenities and shops just a couple of blocks away.
The Factory is our dedicated events space in Upper Hutt and is the perfect space to hire for your next team-building day, workshop, conference or away day.
Settle for more. Contact The Settlement today on 021 193 7570, work@thesettlement.co.nz or pop in for a look around.
Information Technology (IT) is FEES free under the TTAF for 2022
Study Technology for free in 2022! Whitecliffe College in Wellington offers a wide variety of technology programmes starting at certificate level.
If you have any staff looking to upskill, this could be a great option for them. We offer a blended learning environment, so a student’s time is split between online and on-campus. This flexible learning environment allows students to work and study.
We offer programmes across Information Technology, Web & Software development, Networking and more.
Enrol to start in May or July 2022 today.
Contact admissions@whitecliffe.ac.nz or call 0800 800 300.
For more information on the course please look here.
ACC Health and Safety Roadshow
As we open up our borders the well-being of our workforce will be
paramount.
Like us, May is also Work and Wellbeing month at Business Central and the focus is on you. Join them as they bring their Health and Safety roadshow to the Hutt Valley. Featuring industry-leading health and safety speakers.
Industry leaders will provide practical guidance on legislation, remote work strategies, employee recovery and more. Get the tools you need to elevate wellbeing across your organisation.
Right now Business Central has an offer for Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members, 20% off tickets. Normally: $249 + GST, Discounted Price: $199 + GST.
To receive our exclusive promo code, email annette@hvchamber.org.nz.
To register for the ACC Health and safety Roadshow click here.
Unlock Digital Marketing
Designed to support all businesses, learn the secret strategies these leaders used to grow with tools like Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Canva and Shopify.
Starting on 2 May 2022, every Monday at 12-1pm for six weeks, experts will cover topics including everything from retail online sales and digital marketing strategies, to content creation and social media.
Click here to register for this Digital Marketing Workshop.
Session details
- Monday 2 May: Using digital to attract online and in-person sales
- Monday 9 May: The secrets of successful online shops
- Monday 16 May: Rethink your business model and grow in 2022
- Monday 23 May: Google for growth
- Monday 30 May: Secrets of brands and content that leads to sales
- Monday 13 June: Facebook and Instagram
A Mental Wellbeing App To Support Kids - 6 Month Trial
Do you have kids or know of someone that does that would benefit from additional support to strengthen their well-being, resilience, calmness, and confidence?
‘Imagine App’ is the brainchild of over two years of work from Chamber member, Kaleidoscope Solutions to empower children to feel happy, confident, and good in their own skin.
The app was released on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store under ‘Imagine Stories’ earlier this year. A web version of the app is also available.
Right now, they have an exclusive offer for you and your kids. A free 6-month subscription to the ‘Imagine App’. You can use the same login details across the web, Google and Apple versions.
To access this exclusive offer from their website, click here.
Exclusive Members Offer From PaySauce
Paysauce offers payroll calculations, payday filing, and timesheets, all in one simple app for your mobile and desktop.
Join the many business advisors, accountants & bookkeepers using the app to offer payroll to their clients.
PaySauce is currently offering a one-month trial for Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce members. Click here for more details.
Jussi Luukkonen At Your Service
We are delighted to welcome Jussi Luukkonen. A member of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Speaker and Author.
He is currently running a promotion for our members with a 10% discount on his services which includes: Coaching, Workshop Facilitation and Presentation Skills.
For more info call 021 999 652 or email jussi@jussiluukkonen.com.
EMPLOYMENT
Do You Want To Be Part Of A Growing, Industry Leading Tech Manufacturer?
Times-7 Research Ltd, from an unassuming premises in Petone are among the global leaders in research, development and manufacture of fixed RAIN RFID Antennae for distribution around the world.
As this company grows, so to do the opportunities to upskill and develop your own skill sets. Come along on this journey of growth by joining the Production Team as a Production Assistant.
Sound like you and want to find out more?
View the job description and show your expression of interest here.
Do You Have Experience In a Production Environment?
Nuenz is an advanced composite start-up company based in Petone, New Zealand. They manufacture advanced additives for composite materials and are currently on the lookout for a Production Technician / Operator to join there team.
The position involves working in their new manufacturing plant, operating various production equipment, and generally assisting the Production Team. Job tasks include:
- Prepare raw materials for production
- Operate machines to complete various technical processing of materials
- Following all safety requirements
- Follow quality processes procedures and standards
- Complete production records
- Carry out quality and testing checks
Sound like you and want to find out more?
View the job description and show your expression of interest here.
Are You An Admin Support Star?
Small Business Accounting Lower Hutt is looking for a friendly person to join their small team in an administrative role. In exchange, they are offering a flexible role.
SBA specialises in small to medium-sized businesses, sole trader, trust and rental properties.
You must be confident in person and on the phone with clients and should be able to bring your skills with Microsoft Excel, Word and Office 365.
Sound like you and want to find out more?
View the job description and show your expression of interest here.
Do You Have A Role That You'd Like To Get Filled?
Contact Andrew our Employment Coordinator. You can reach him on: andrew@hvchamber.org.nz or call 049399821.
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.
To view our vacancies, click here.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
