Talking Takapuna We make no secret of it – but just in case you didn’t know - we LOVE our local businesses! As we all start to settle in to the new normal of life in lockdown, we think it’s a great time to remind ourselves to just how important our locally owned and operated businesses are to our community.
While the rest of Takapuna’s physical stores and services are closed for now, there are many that you can still support through online purchasing. We see ‘buying local’ as not only a more convenient way to shop, but also as an investment into your community, and it can be as simple as picking up a loaf of bread and some milk from the dairy down the road, or visiting New World Metro Shore City, the locally owned and operated supermarket. While the rest of Takapuna’s physical stores and services are closed for now, there are many that you can still support through online purchasing. Some are still operating with contactless deliveries, while others offer E-Gift Card
purchases and we have started to compile a list of these businesses in the What’s Hot section on our website: www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones during these unprecedented times. One way you can do this is by getting out for a walk within your neighbourhood – and we think we are lucky to have our wonderful Takapuna Beach on our doorstep! While you’re out and about, please remember for the safety of yourselves and others, please practise social (physical) distancing, only go for walks with the people inside your “bubble”, and try to avoid touching anything others may have touched – for example, park benches and playgrounds – and most importantly, wash your hands before leaving the house, and when you return. Don’t forget to follow us @ILoveTakapuna on Facebook and Instagram too! We also love to see what you get up to in and around Takapuna and what you’re keeping busy with during the lockdown, so if you’re posting on social media, don’t forget to tag us, or use the hashtag #ilovetakapuna.
Alexander Sykes – IWG (BizDojo, Takapuna) Alexander Sykes is the New Zealand Country Manager for IWG, operator of BizDojo, offering flexible workspace in Takapuna. He is responsible for enhancing IWG’s strong market position. A strategy of engagement and investment has seen the company expand in just a few years from six to 18 locations in New Zealand under the Regus, BizDojo and Spaces brands, including two new locations – Karangahape Road now open and Alexander Sykes. Commercial Bay opening later this year. Alexander, who has also worked as a personal trainer with elite athletes and sports clubs, moved to New Zealand seven years ago with his wife Sarah. Sarah was originally from New Zealand and was on her OE in London when they met. After four years together in the UK they decided to move to New Zealand and start a family. They are now a family of three, with a four year old son, Campbell. Despite living city-side, they enjoy the Shore beaches where they teach Campbell to be confident and respect the water. CM: What do you love about working at BizDojo and in Takapuna? AS: I am lucky enough to work out of all our flexible workspace locations on a regular basis, including BizDojo Takapuna. I love the community and stunning sea views at BizDojo Takapuna and the
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choice of coffee shops and eateries that the area has to offer are second to none. CM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work hours at Takapuna Beach and how will you be making the most of that in the last of the warmer months? AS: I love the water and spending time up in Northland, whether it’s a surf at Forestry or taking the family up to Waipu Cove for the weekend. Bizdojo Takapuna is great location to work from on a Friday to get the jump on the traffic and on a Monday to squeeze an extra day/night in and avoid the bridge commute. CM: What advice or trends would you share to anyone considering starting a local business on the Shore? AS: Consider working from BizDojo Takapuna. This type of flexible workspace plays an important role in reducing overheads, such as empty desks, for businesses. Naturally office rental prices are based on location, type, size and term. Flexible office space can be increased or reduced according to staff movements, therefore reducing the underutilised portion of space and the associated costs. With traditional workspace being used at only 55% there is a 45% saving potential for businesses who embrace the flexible workspace revolution. From a business owner’s perspective, it makes it a lot easier to sleep at night since you are not signing for years of lease commitments. It just makes businesses a lot more agile and change ready particularly if you are just starting out. Contact: alexander.sykes@iwgplc.com
GOLD SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…
Issue 108 - April 2020 www.channelmag.co.nz
