Advocacy on your behalf to our local Councils and to central Government is an important part of the work we do. I often have the opportunity to provide your feedback on issues that matter to you.
But we also provide an opportunity for you to do this yourself, directly to the people that make the decisions. Does it make a difference? I personally think so. This will become more important as we start to head towards Local Body Elections this year, and also a General Election sometime in 2023.
We had a great opportunity yesterday morning to do this, with David Seymour, Leader of the ACT Party and MP for Epsom, who came to talk to over 70 business leaders from the Hutt Valley. Whatever your politics and opinions this was an opportunity to ask David what his views were, and what ACT’s policies will be. There were some great questions from the business leaders in the room. What also came through strongly was David’s willingness to listen.
Next week on Tuesday 14th we have Grant Robertson, current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance speaking right here in the Hutt Valley. I would encourage you to come and ask those questions you have. There is nothing better than doing it in person.
Register here for the event.
In this edition of our Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Welcoming the ACT Party Leader to the Hutt Valley
- Research and Innovation Getting a Boost
- Local News
- Hutt City Council Announce COVID-19 Recovery Business Activation Grants
- Upcoming Events
- 2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance - Grant Robertson
- BNZ Technology and Innovation Series - Save The Date
- Upcoming Training
- Understanding Intellectual Property with Zoe Dewhurst - IP101
- How To Give A Killer Presentation - Present with Impact & Influence
- How To Turn Customer Insights Into Sales & Profit - Marketing Workshop
- Mindset, Movement & Nutrition Workshops
- Member Offers
- Some Great Offers from Upper Hutt City Councils 'Shop & Win' Campaign, Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional, The Settlement and WellingtonNZ
Welcoming the ACT Party Leader to the Hutt Valley
There was a big welcome to the Hutt Valley on Wednesday 8th June for David Seymour, ACT Party Leader, spokesperson for COVID-19 and finance as well as MP for Epsom.
Over 70 business leaders from across the Hutt Valley came to hear David speak as part of the Gibson Sheat Political Series that the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting throughout 2022. The event was opened by Cameron Madgwick, CEO of Gibson Sheat Lawyers and Platinum Partner of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
David spoke about his journey into politics and becoming the Leader of the ACT Party. He spoke about things that the Hutt Valley business community has identified as barriers to improving their confidence, including COVID-19, immigration, the current economic situation and the role of the Reserve Bank.
David also made reference to ACT's recently released alternative Budget (the Real Change Budget) which shows a principled, considered and costed set of policies with the current economic environment in mind. This included proposed changes such as reducing the number of public servants while rewarding good teachers but also changes to employment law to favour employers.
Research and Innovation Getting a Boost
If you are a business across the Hutt Valley that is innovating in an area that does not fall within the definition of R&D and is pursuing opportunities that will generate significant spillover benefits to the wider economy, then there is good news for you.
The government has announced the Ārohia the Innovation Trailblazer Grant. This will see a $250 million investment over the next four years, turning great ideas into building a higher-value, more sustainable economy.
The primary recipients will be businesses that are performing innovation that not only is new to the world but also has the potential to make a significant difference to the innovation landscape.
- The grant will also be available to support businesses that are building platforms that enable other innovators to be successful.
- The New to Research & Development Grant will support businesses that do not have established R&D capabilities and provide an on-ramp onto the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI).
This grant should help businesses with the high costs and steep learning curves associated with establishing an R&D programme.
Callaghan Innovation will administer the grants, which will be available from mid-September 2022. We will keep you informed.
You can read more here.
LOCAL NEWS
Hutt City Council Announce COVID-19 Recovery Business Activation Grants
Hutt City Council has announced a $150,000 fund to help attract customers back to hospitality and retail centres in Lower Hutt.
Grants will be available to help create and boost events, activities, and any other ideas businesses may have in order to bring people into the city, add vibrancy and benefit businesses in the local area.
Mayor Campbell Barry says that this will be a help to businesses who have suffered the recent impacts of COVID-19.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2022 Budget Debrief With The Minister of Finance
As part of the Gibson Sheat Political Series, the Hutt Valley Chamber is hosting 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 has 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
BNZ Technology and Innovation Series
In The Hutt Valley - Save The Date
After a successful event in May, the Hutt Valley Chamber in partnership with Platinum Partners, BNZ will host another three innovative businesses to share their story, the amazing work they are doing and the technology, innovations and inventions they are coming up with and implementing in the real world.
Join us to hear from:
- Dave Waton, Director and Shairae Taepa, Customer Services Technician & Emerging Metrologist of the Year 2022. From RF Test Solutions
- Ray Tomlinson, Director of JT Group & SummitBWT
James Fuller, Co-founder & CEO of Hnry
Each speaker will speak for 10 minutes, followed by Q&A and finally an opportunity for networking. Snacks and drinks provided.
When: Wednesday 06 July
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Centre Lower Hutt, 45 Knights Road
Price: Members (No Cost) | Non-members ($25 + GST)
UPCOMING TRAINING
Understanding Intellectual Property with Zoe Dewhurst - IP101
What is IP and how can it help your business?
Some form of Intellectual Property (IP) exists in every business. But do you know how to recognise it, protect it and enforce it?
Zoe Dewhurst, from AJ Park, will host an in-person seminar to help businesses:
- Understand the different types of intellectual property]
- See how IP fits within your business plan and strategy
- Learn how to leverage it for commercial advantage.
Areas that will be covered include Trademarks, Copyright, Patents, Domain Names, Geographical Indications & Trade secrets.
Zoe is a trademark specialist with expertise and experience in the trademark law of New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Europe.
Book now to secure this exclusive learning opportunity.
When: Wednesday 15 June
Time: 5pm - 7.30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: No Cost
How To Give A Killer Presentation – Present With Impact & Influence
Most of us feel that public speaking and presentations are challenging.
To be in front of any audience – small or large – can be a daunting task. However, to tell and sell our ideas, we need to face our fear or uncomfortable feeling and present, speak and make an impact. It is a skill.
But it will become a thrill when you find your unique way to do it and Jussi can help you find the swagger that is genuinely yours and gets your audience on your side.
In this one day workshop you will learn:
- How to prepare your presentation well.
- What do you need to know about your message and audience?
- How to build a structure that helps you get your points across
- What kind of slides you should prepare, and how to use technology to make your message stick?
- How to practice your presentation to make maximum impact with confidence and style.
When: Thursday 16 June
Time: 8:30am - 4.30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: 50% OFF For Members ($650) $325 + GST
How To Turn Customer Insights Into Sales & Profit - A Marketing Workshop
The value of knowing what your customers are thinking
The needs of your customers are constantly evolving. Misread their needs, and they may spend their money elsewhere. Now, more than ever, it is vitally important to dig deep to understand your business, your sector, your customers and clients, and how you stack up against your competitors.
For the team at Synthesis Marketing, experience has shown them that deeper insights create better decisions and more powerful marketing.
Join Richard, Brendan and Raewyn to learn about how to find out what your customers are thinking and how you make the most of these insights.
At this workshop, Synthesis Marketing will cover…
- The business value of customer insights
- Proven tools and techniques to uncover customer insights
- Sure-fire ways to translate customer insights into tangible results
- Top 5 tips for keeping customer insights front and centre in your business
When: Thursday 30 June
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: No Cost
Mindset, Movement & Nutrition Workshops
It's time to reconnect! Spring Coaching is offering three well-being in-person workshops focused on mindset, movement and nutrition to support the Wellington City Mission.
Achieving your health and wellbeing goals is 100% doable, even when it’s cold out! But they need to be tackled one small step at a time. Take the smarter path this winter with three bite-size classes that will introduce you to small steps of wisdom for success.
Classes cover:
Tuesday 31 May
MINDSET: Making time for the things that matter.Tuesday 7 June
MOVEMENT: You do have time to move. Let’s snack.- Tuesday 14 June
NUTRITION: The joy of just one. Eating mindfully.
When: Tuesday 14 June
Time: 5.30pm
Where: Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Level 3, 11 Hunter St
Price: $20 for each workshop | $50 for all three
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
Upper Hutt City Council Launches 'Shop & Win' Campaign - Starting 9th of May
This Saturday 9 May, Upper Hutt City Council launches a 'Shop & Win' promotion that celebrates the Upper Hutt-exclusive Carry Me: 100 Years of Handbags at Whirinaki Whare Taonga, and supports our retailers who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Shop at any participating retailer between 14 May and 28 June to be in to win one of six shopping sprees — a $650 voucher pack plus a handbag. 32 Upper Hutt City centre retailers have combined forces for the promotion so be sure to hit the local shops when you visit Upper Hutt to see the exhibition.
View the shopping map, prize pack info, and online entry form at shopupperhutt.co.nz.
Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni‑Professional - Professional Development Offer
Chamber Members, Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni‑Professional help future-focused Kiwis build more rounded, relevant skill sets - that set them up for where New Zealand business is going and give them greater confidence and adaptability at work.
They are the next step in professional development – with a market-leading, constantly evolving range of modules that can be combined and tailored for any individual, in any industry, to address the full range of contemporary business needs.
Right now, WUP has an offer for Chamber members using discount code: HVCC2022. See here for their list of courses.
A Fortnight At The Settlement - On Them
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.
Unlock Digital Marketing Workshops
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 shopsMonday 16 May: Rethink your business model and grow in 2022Monday 23 May: Google for growthMonday 30 May: Secrets of brands and content that leads to sales- Monday 13 June: Facebook and Instagram
EMPLOYMENT
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.
