Not sure about you but I am over the rain. I hope that it is not disrupting your day-to-day business too much.

As I read about the flooding across Aotearoa, and the slips and disruption across the Hutt Valley over the past weeks, it does make me think about the need for investment in flood protection infrastructure and the potential of devastating consequences of a flood for The Hutt Valley. The cost to our businesses and community would be disastrous.

A big part of the RiverLink project is flood protection. This flood protection work, delivered by Greater Wellington Regional Council, is expected to safeguard residents from large flood events that could affect up to 3,000 homes, five schools and 600 businesses, with the potential to cause an estimated $1.1 billion worth of damage across the community.

My team who use the Riverbank Car Park in Hutt City are regularly watching the level of the river when there is rain (whilst working hard of course!). Their car parks might not be available as work is undertaken but my take is that whilst there will be disruption as work is going on, the long-term benefits will be protected businesses, the community and the whole Hutt Valley. So that has got to be a good thing I think.

And a reminder if you are commuting into the Lower Hutt CBD for work then please take time to complete the RiverLink Travel Survey at hutt.city/commutersurvey. All completed surveys will go into a weekly draw for a $50 voucher to use at one of our great local businesses.

And if you want to stay warm and dry for a few hours in the coming weeks we have a great range of events coming up including:

• 4^th August - New Zealand Trade & Export Breakfast Forum with Panel of Industry Experts
• 10^th August - A Practical Guide to Employment Agreements Workshop
• 17^th August - Driving Traffic To Your Website Through Keywords and Better Google Rankings Workshop
• 18^th August - Women in Business Event featuring Sharesies Co-Founder, Brooke Roberts

Check these and other events out on our website.

In this edition of our Hutt Valley Business Weekly:

• Chamber Updates
• Nominations Are NOW OPEN For The 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards
• The Future of Employer Engagement with Schools & Education in New Zealand: Introducing Work Integrated Learning
• National Business News
• Economist Cameron Bagrie Says Businesses Need To Sort Out Their Bankability - Featured on the AM Show (Video + Event Invitation)
• Government Expands Free Access To RAT Test Kits
• Local & Regional News
• Fundraiser Breakfast: I Have A Dream, Upper Hutt
• Hutt City Awarded The Breakthrough Bike City Award
• Upper Hutt City Council’s Annual Plan 2022 – 2023
• Riverlink Updates
• What is RiverLink all about?
• Travel Survey Underway – Tell the RiverLink Team How You Travel To Work
• Upcoming Events
• Trade and Export Breakfast With Panel of Industry Experts + Q&A
• Women In Business Event: Understanding Your Investment Options Featuring Sharesies CEO - Brooke Roberts & Industry Experts
• Tips For Navigating Business Banking

• NZTIWF – New Zealand Trade & Industrial Waters Conference 2022

• Upcoming Training
• A Practical Guide To Employment Agreements With Tony McKone, Employment Relations Specialist
• Driving Traffic To Your Website Through Keywords and Better Google Rankings  with Synthesis Marketing in Upper Hutt
• Spring Reset: Step Into Spring Stress-Free with Spring Coaching
• Member Offers 
• Offers from Clarative Media and Aspire2 Business: Workplace Communication

CHAMBER UPDATES

Nominations Are NOW OPEN For The 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards

The 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards for 2022 will be a celebration of the businesses across the Greater Wellington region and with nine categories to choose from there is a place for all organisations to participate.

The awards are an opportunity to share stories of innovation, adaptability, resilience and growth. A moment to acknowledge achievements and continue to inspire each other to continue to be one of the most diverse and innovative business communities in the country.

The awards are open to any business or organisation within the Greater Wellington region, including Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, Wairarapa and the Hutt Valley. There is no cost to enter. You can nominate your own business or someone else’s.

Entry is simple. Complete the online nomination form for the category of your choice by September 16^th here:   https://wellingtonbusinessexcellence.awardsplatform.com/

The awards are a time for businesses to celebrate their efforts, their teams, their drive and determination, and equally their contribution to jobs, the economy and our communities.

For more information visit the official awards page on our website or contact annette@hvchamber.org.nz.

KEY DATES: 
16^th of September - Nominations close
10^th of October - Earlybird pricing ends for Gala Dinner
27^th of October - Finalists announced at our Finalists Function.
Click here to book your ticket to the Finalists Function.
18^th of November - Winners announced at The 2degrees Business Excellence Awards 2022 Gala Dinner.
Click here to book your ticket to the Gala Dinner.

The Future of Employer Engagement with Schools & Education in New Zealand: Introducing Work Integrated Learning

At the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, we think the future of Employer Engagement with schools and education in New Zealand is here. Check out our video produced by our member Clarative Media.

Welcome to 'Work Integrated Learning' in the Hutt Valley. This concept was developed by Patton Engineering Ltd., Johno Williams, Salla Delport and Hastings Boys High School with the goal to bridge the gap between schools and employers, education and employment.

Our objectives at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce through the Work Integrated Learning programme are to work with schools and employers to:
(1) Support the rangatahi (young people) in the Hutt Valley to discover, explore, connect and experience their futures and
(2) Create a talent pipeline for employers who continue to suffer a skills shortage like many employers in New Zealand.

Thanks to Real Steel Ltd, ATCO Steel Developments NZ, Hutt Valley High School, Denise Johnson, Katie Long, John Norris, Jeremy Mikoz, Dave Olsen, Matt Sharp, Jess D Lucht and the Ministry of Education.

NATIONAL NEWS

Economist Cameron Bagrie On The Relationship Between Businesses and Banks - Featured on the AM Show

Independent economist Cameron Bagrie said many banks had moved further away from business lending as home lending has gone up in market share. 

"Banks need to wake up to a little bit to a bit of economic reality that the business sector creates the jobs and the jobs are needed for people to pay their mortgages on the other side. So there is a shift in attitudes that I think needs to take place across the banking sector in regard to allocating capital towards SMEs, in particular.

But it's not just banks Bagrie is calling out, he said small businesses need to improve their bankability, which for many is a "dog's breakfast". 

"There's another part of the story that isn't talked about enough and it's the bankability of businesses … one of the problems we come in time and time again is just the bankability of a lot of small to medium-sized businesses," he told AM. 

To watch the interview and read the full article click here.

• Do you need help navigating business banking in the current economic climate?
• Are your transaction banking, working capital and foreign exchange solutions fit for purpose?
• Are you being priced off the correct base interest rate?

We are fortunate to have Cameron Bagrie & the team from Chaperon NZ on the 30th of August sharing advice and tips on:

• How to stay informed, Bank fit & Bank Smart.
• Understanding your credit rating and how to improve your chances of accessing credit.
• How the regulatory environment is affecting business lending and how to navigate this.

When: Thursday 30 August
Time: 7:30am - 9:30am
Where: Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Price: From $50 + GST
Event Sponsor: LINK Business Brokers

Government Expands Access To RAT Test Kits

The government is expanding access to rapid antigen tests (RAT) kits. This is in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. It’s a good opportunity to encourage your staff to request and collect a supply of test kits.

• You don’t need COVID-19 symptoms to get free test kits
• Test kits can be picked up from testing centres, local pharmacies, current community providers, including marae.

Click here to request a RAT kit.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS

Fundraiser Breakfast: I Have A Dream, Upper Hutt

4 A Better City invite you for a fundraiser breakfast to hear more about I Have A Dream, Upper Hutt. The event will be opened by Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy, and include inspiring presentations by the CEO of IHAD, a Navigator from the Whangarei Project and a young Dreamer who has been through the project.

They have also secured a generous donor who is putting in one dollar for every dollar raised over the next two months. 

To attend, RSVP to admin@4abettercity.nz by Monday 8 August.

Click here to find out more about I Have A Dream.

When: Wednesday 10 August
Time: 7:00am
Where: Lane Park Cafe, 22 Lane Street, Wallaceville
RSVP: admin@4abettercity.nz by Monday 08 August

Hutt City Awarded The Breakthrough Bike City Award

Hutt City has been awarded the Breakthrough Bike City Award at the Local Government New Zealand conference in Palmerston North.

The award is all about awarding cities and towns that have great initiatives and actions that enable more people to ride more often. As Mayor Campbell Barry said; "Cycling in the Hutt is becoming more and more common, and we want to see it increase. Getting more people cycling through the city is key to addressing climate change, creating healthier communities, and reducing congestion. This is a key focus and priority for the Council,” he said.

LGNZ: "Some of the great initiatives by Hutt City that made us choose them as the winner of the award; they have released their integrated transport strategy with sustainable transport and net zero emissions in mind, they finished the part of the Beltway cycleway (with more to come) and also started work on Tupua Horo Nuku (from eastern bays to Eastbourne) and connecting to one of Aotearoa's Great Rides - the Remutaka Cycle Trail. In a few years’ time, Te Ara Tupua will connect Wellington to Hutt City by bike – reducing congestion on the adjoining highway and changing the lives of regular commuters.
Besides the cycleway work, there have also been some great community bike initiatives like Free-Ride, which provides recycled bikes to people that need them at no cost and DirtsKool which provides mountain bike lessons for school students at Waiu Park in Wainuiomata."

Upper Hutt City Council’s Annual Plan
2022 – 2023

Upper Hutt City Council’s Annual Plan 2022 – 2023, was adopted at a Council meeting held on 29 June 2022.

This is now available for viewing on the Council’s website here.

RIVERLINK UPDATES

What is RiverLink all about?

RiverLink is a partnership between Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council and mana whenua – Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika to deliver:

• Flood protection
• Revitalising Lower Hutt’s central city
• Melling Transport improvements

What to know more? Visit the pop-up on Andrews Avenue, Lower Hutt on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 12 - 2pm (see below for details) or visit www.riverlink.co.nz.

Travel Survey Underway – Tell the RiverLink Team How You Travel To Work

The RiverLink team are currently asking the community how they travel to work to help them plan for changes to the transport network.

They want to hear about travel patterns and needs so they can focus on the solutions that are important to the community.

Click here to take part in the survey today!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Trade & Export Breakfast With Panel of Industry Experts 2022

We are bringing together business leaders that are involved with Trade & Export across the Hutt Valley and Wellington Region.

Hear from industry exports: Export NZ, NZTE, CentrePort and 360Logistics on current trade agreements, current international trends and the government's focus and direction for growth. Joined by Minister for Trade & Export Growth, Hon Damien O'Connor.

The Minister will be joined by the following speakers in a panel discussion & Q&A.

• Derek Nind, Managing Director, Managing Director, 360Logistics
• Kristy Grant, Advisory Board Member, EXPORT NZ
• Anthony Delaney, CEO, CentrePort
• Ann Clifford, Customer Director - Central North Island, NZTE

Event supported by our Gold Partners, 360 Logistics.

When: Thursday 04 August
Time: 7:30am - 9:30am
Where: Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Price: From $55 + GST

Women In Business Lunch With Brooke Roberts, Sharesies Co-Founder

Many women in business are incredibly financially savvy but often don’t have time to ensure that their future is secure with the right investment.

Hear from Brooke Roberts, Co-Founder of Sharesies about how and why Sharesies was created and how simple and fun investing using investment platforms such as Sharesies can be. 

Hear how women typically manage risk and invest plus advice for you to take control of your finances to grow your personal wealth and ask questions as part of our Q & A.

Guest Speakers:

• Karen Smart, Business Owner, NZ Home Loans Harbour City
• Joanna Newlove, Investment Adviser, Forsyth Barr Lower Hutt
• Pippa Hogg, Wealth Adviser, BNZ Private Bank

Take time out to ensure that you are investing in you and your family's future and book now.

When: Thursday 18 August
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt Price: From $45 + GST

NZTIWF – New Zealand Trade and Industrial Waters Forum 2022

Are you a business in the Hutt Valley that has a focus on Industrial Waters?

You might work in industrial, agricultural and food manufactures of trade waste, or work for a regional council or local council (trade waste & compliance officers) or be a regulator or liquid waste operator. You might also be employed as a process engineers or an environmental scientist, or be a student with an interest in industrial waters

If yes, this conference might be for you.

When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 17, 18, 19 August
Where: Wharewaka Function Centre, Wellington

UPCOMING TRAINING

A Practical Guide On Employment Agreements

Tony McKone, Employment Specialist, from Silver Partner McKone Consultancy is running a workshop on Employment Agreements

Tony McKone is Director and principal consultant for McKone Consultancy.

Before moving into Human resources Tony spent time as a line Manager and has a personal understanding of the challenges that employers are faced with.

In this session, Tony will cover the basics of Employment Agreements:

• Give an overview of the employer’s obligations
• Have an understanding of different categories of employee
• Have an understanding of what to include in an agreement
• Know how to present an offer of employment

When: Wednesday 10 August
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, Level 3, 15 Daly St
Price: No Cost

Digital Marketing Workshop: Driving Traffic To Your Website Through Keywords and Better Google Rankings

Websites are a vital part of building businesses, growing brands, driving leads and creating sales. Is your website doing the job?

At this session, Richard Smith from Synthesis Marketing, will take you through the key steps you can take to make your website work harder and smarter for your business. 

Topics to be covered include:

• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and the keywords that matter to your business.
• Paid online advertising.
• Writing content that works.
• Understanding website backlinks.
• The value of Google’s “Near Me” searches.
• Making gains by linking website and offline marketing.
• Resources to boost your efforts.

Synthesis Marketing is the Digital Marketing Partner of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. Their objective is to create better businesses through smarter marketing.

When: Wednesday 17 August
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Upper Hutt Central Library, 844 Fergusson Dr, Upper Hutt
Price: No Cost

Cyber Resilience, Risk Remediation and Cyber Insurance Seminar

Protecting your business from cyber attacks is more than having cybersecurity tools or an IT team. A successful cyber attack could cost you operational downtime, loss of data, reputational damage, and lost revenue.

Being cyber resilient means knowing what needs to be protected, what risks you face, and having plans for threat detection, response, and most importantly, knowing how to recover as rapidly as possible from cyber incidents.

There will be a panel Q&A session after the presentation where representatives from IT Works, Intelligensia and Crombie Lockwood will be available to answer your questions about:

• Cyber resilience
• How to secure your environment to ensure you have the greatest protection
• How to keep your staff educated and aware of the risk
• How to ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of a cyber breach.

When: Wednesday 24 August
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
Price: No Cost

Spring Reset: Step Into Spring Stress-Free

It’s been a wicked winter. We all deserve to hit our reset button and step into Spring feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and restored.

Change is hard but is 100% doable when you know the tips for success. Take it one small step at a time with our member - Spring Coaching's Spring Reset Wellness Series. Three bite-size classes that will introduce you to small steps wisdom. Come to one or all three and save!

Classes cover:

• MINDSET: Making time for the things that matter. Tuesday 23 August.
• MOVEMENT: You do have time to move. Let’s snack. Tuesday 30 August.
• NUTRITION: The joy of just one. Eating mindfully. Tuesday 6 September.

Invest in your well-being & performance while giving back.
Fundraising event to proudly support Wellington City Mission

When: 
Mindset - Tuesday 23 August
Movement - Tuesday 30 August
Nutrition - Tuesday 06 September
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
Price: From $20 per class | $50 for all 3 classes

MEMBER OFFERS

Member Video Package Offer

Clarative Media are offering Chamber members a special deal to help promote your business. Get in touch with them through their website or 0800 122 571 to claim this offer and let them know the Chamber referred you. Watch their showreel below to see their work.

Workplace Training Programmes - At No Cost

Find out you can access government-funded workplace based training for your workforce. Get in touch with Aspire 2 Business: Workplace Communication through workplacecommunication@aspire2.ac.nz or  on 0800423 888 and let them know the Hutt Valley Chamber referred you.

EMPLOYMENT

Do You Have A Role That You'd Like To Get Filled?

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.