The happy place in the work we do is being out and about meeting our members and businesses across the Hutt Valley. For me, I often go behind very simple-looking front doors and find things I did not expect to see and meet people that just blow me away.
Last week we hosted over 100 business people to have a tour of the state-of-the-art Lane Street Studios in Upper Hutt. Nearing completion they will bring hundreds of people and jobs to the region.
In the last few days, I have also had the pleasure of visiting three very different businesses that all just blew me away in terms of their work and their people.
- Eight360 – in a Korokoro unit they are developing Nova, a revolutionary new VR product that takes simulation to a new level for both training and entertainment purposes.
- JT Group – in a row of shops in Epuni they have developed washing processes and waterless systems to reduce water usage by over 80%. And if this was not enough they are creating and innovating in the garage at the back of their business something that "no one else in the world has done".
- GNS Science – in Avalon they have a purpose-built facility hosted by GNS Science that is providing enhanced around-the-clock monitoring of major geological hazards to help keep New Zealanders safe.
These are only some of the examples of the amazing businesses we have in the Hutt Valley. Everywhere I look and everywhere I go I am amazed by the innovation, manufacturing, exporting, creation and services I see. Behind all of this are the business people and their employees making it happen.
We are very lucky to be working in such a place and should not take anything for granted. Supporting our business community is a very special privilege.
In this edition of our Hutt Valley Business Weekly:
- Kiwi Ingenuity - High-Rise Washing Machine
- Global Virtual Reality Simulators - Made Right Here In The Hutt
- Have Your Say - Fair Pay Agreements Bill
- Our Upcoming 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Perfect Storm for Business Confidence
- The 2022 Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards
- Chamber Members Get Trained with “3 Steps To Meaningful Online Meetings"
- Te Omanga Hospice Street Appeal - May 20th and May 21st
- Upcoming Events
- The Settlement UPPER HUTT Open Day - 13th May
- BNZ Tech Series - Tech & Innovation (May 2022)
- Free Upcoming Training
- How To Give A Killer Presentation
- Spotlight On Mental Health Week
- How To Mentally Cope With Stressful Situations
- Social Media Marketing for Business Success
- Time Management Mastery Workshop
- Member Offers
- Some Great Offers from The Settlement, WellingtonNZ, Kaleidoscope Solutions (Imagine App) and PaySauce
- Employment Opportunities
- Production and Administration Roles
Kiwi Ingenuity -
High-Rise Washing Machine
I often talk about the surprise I get when I go behind some very straightforward-looking business doors in the Hutt Valley. I was literally blown away when I visited Ray Tomlinson at his businesses JT Group and Summit Building Wash Technologies in Epuni last week.
Started by Ray's father the business has been operating for 60 years. This is a very special achievement which at the core is because of amazing customer service.
But it's the innovation and focus on the environment that really blew me away. They have developed washing processes and waterless systems to reduce water usage by over 80%. And if this was not enough they are creating and innovating in the garage at the back of their business something that "no one else in the world has done". They have developed a prototype that has been showcased on NewsHub and is now in the process of the next phase of the development. The worldwide opportunities for this will be huge.
And it's all happening in the Hutt Valley. Brilliant.
Global Virtual Reality Simulators -
Made Right Here In The Hutt
Wow! What a great first visit in the series of visits that the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce are organising to see and engage with the many amazing manufacturing and technology businesses we have in the Hutt Valley.
Thanks to the brilliant Terry Miller and Tom Cully from Eight360 for hosting our group to hear your journey, your successes, and your challenges. Collaboration and engagement are definitely alive and well in the Hutt Valley. Just hearing the buzz in the room and the exchanging of ideas and contact details was fantastic to witness.
It was great to see Eight360's creation - Nova (pictured below) in action. Bring on the next visit to the awesome Times-7 in a couple of weeks.
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.
Our Upcoming 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
We would like to invite you to attend our AGM on Tuesday, 24th May 2022. To get involved you can:
- Register to attend
- Vote
All the information you need including the agenda, nominees, proxy votes and how to register, can be found here.
We are voting for two Board Members, President, and Vice President.
If you are unable to attend and wish to cast your vote, please send in an Appointment of Proxy Vote. Please email the form to ceo@hvchamber.org.nz no later than 5pm on Monday, 23rd May 2022.
Please note, that to be able to vote, you need to be a financial member of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce at the time of the AGM.
For members attending we request that you are seated at the venue no later than 5.25pm on the day. There will be no entry allowed after 5.30pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Level 3, 15 Daly Street, DSV House, Lower Hutt on Tuesday, 24th May.
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.
Chamber Members Get Trained with
“3 Steps To Meaningful Online Meetings"
New Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce member Jussi Luukkonen has hit the ground running with his membership by running a free online training workshop to help the Chamber members be as prepared as they can for online meetings.
This first seminar was packed full of helpful tips & tricks. Nice one Jussi. If you would like a copy of Jussi’s presentation (video and notes) send us an email to comms@hvchamber.org.nz so we can send you an exclusive link.
Jussi's next Lunch & Learn series workshop on time management mastery will be on Tuesday, May 24th at 12pm. Register here to attend 'Time Management For The Rest Of Us'.
Looking to give killer presentations? If you lack the confidence when speaking or presenting to a group, want to present effectively in pressure situations, want to run engaging meetings or require speaking to large audiences, Jussi is hosting a one day course on how to present with impact and influence - "How To Give A Killer Presentation". He is currently offering 50% off for Chamber members. To find out more and to redeem this offer click here.
Te Omanga Hospice Street Appeal -
May 20th and May 21st
Chamber member, Te Omanga Hospice, cares for 1/3 of all Hutt Valley residents that pass away.
Annually, the hospice must raise $3 million to keep Specialist Palliative Care free, to those in the community with a terminal or life-limiting illness.
This past year has been particularly difficult to raise funds to support the patients and families they care for. They estimate that fundraising has been impacted by at least $250,000 as events and fundraising activities haven’t been able to take place.
Despite the impact of COVID-19 the hospice services have continued to support those in the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Te Omanga Hospice is holding its Annual Street appeal on Friday, May 20 2022 and Saturday, May 21 2022.
We are in particular need of collectors in Upper Hutt and Petone on Saturday and would love the support at any of our locations from Chamber members and their teams.
Click the button below if you’d like to register a location and time which will assist the hospice team in coordinating the sites and volunteers.
Thank you again for supporting those in the community who will need the care and support of the hospice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Settlement UPPER HUTT Open Day - 13th May
Chamber member, The Settlement, is opening the doors to its second coworking and event space located in Brewtown, Upper Hutt.
Come and try The Settlement for size: They are going to have yoga for the early birds, breakfast bowls, a business-focused Lunch & Learn, and plenty of yummy treats to enjoy throughout the day!
Pop in to take a look, take a seat and work for a while, take a meeting room for a spin, have a coffee, or a wine, and meet our lovely, loyal community. Come and go as you please!
Registrations will be essential for yoga and the Lunch & Learn. To register your interest and learn more, contact Kylie on 021 288 0645 or email work@thesettlement.co.nz
When: Friday 13 May
Time: 9am - 5pm
Where: Level 1, The Settlement, Brewtown
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: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt
Price: Members - Free | Non Members - $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
How To Give A Killer Presentation
Most of us feel that public speaking and presentations are challenging.
To be in front of any audience – 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.
This session is for you if you need a confidence boost and efficient ways to improve your presentation and speaking skills. If you need to run team meetings or big keynotes for large audiences, you will get methods and tools to prepare, present and turn audiences into allies.
WHAT YOU WILL COVER IN THIS ONE-DAY COURSE?
- 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 12 May
Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber, Level 3, 15 Daly Street
Price: 50% Discount for members $325 + GST $650 + GST
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 @huttvalleychamber 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
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.
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 manufacturing of fixed RAIN RFID Antennae for distribution around the world.
As this company grows, so 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.
