FYI

north harbour business association member news and information

February 2013

The power of energy efficiency

Reduce costs, increase profits

www.nhba.org.nz 12 Expansion poll Be ready to vote

18 Tea, toast

and the top six mistakes made by new exporters

20 Share market for dummies

22 The inside job Is your bank account bleeding from within?

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t k ou o ld

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“This has been the best expo we have attended in terms of quality leads and visitors.

Well done.”

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a

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David Brash – TelstraClear

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

– MEET NEW CLIENTS

Showcase your company to 10 0’s of

visitors Create new local relationsh ips to save you time and money

Get involved – we turned exh ibit ors away last year so don’t miss out .

Stands from $450 + GST.

10am - 6.30pm, Thursday 16th May, North Harbour Stadium Full details available now www.nhba.org.nz/expo2013 Contact Janine Brinsdon – 021 212 4942, janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz to book your stand or to enquire about seminars or doorprize sponsorship opportunities.

“A very successful event, really enjoyed it! Please put us on your list for next year.”

Pasty McCook – Accountability Net

from the chair

In this issue 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

From the chair In brief Executive committee Sector focus: Sustainability Advocacy: Margaret Miles on speaking up 12-13 Together Stronger: BID Expansion Poll 2013 14 Who’s new? Gurit 18 Events: Business Breakfast with Wayne Norrie 19 Events: Business Luncheon with Mayor Len Brown 20 Business Report: Beginner’s guide to the share market 22 Crime Prevention: The Inside Job, The Blue Line 23 Transport: Teleworking, Albany Highway North 24-25 NHBA Gold Sponsors 2013 26-27 Business & pleasure: Associate Members, Wine Club 28 Event sponsor: Mi IT 29 Business Support: EECA Business 30 Property: Trends in North Harbour

Contact FYI Magazine General Manager - NHBA Janine Brinsdon janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz Editor Rebecca Hayter rebeccahayter@xtra.co.nz

From the Chair

W

elcome to our first edition of FYI magazine for 2013. We trust you have returned from the New Year break revitalised for the year and excited about the prospects for 2013.

We take great pleasure in introducing you to our Executive Committee for 2013 and Gold Sponsors for 2013. The commitment shown by these business owners is significant and enables the ongoing development of services and programmes which empower and support the growth of North Harbour.

In this expanded magazine, we draw your attention to several key projects we are undertaking – aimed at delivering tangible value and support to local business and property owners.

Connect over breakfast with other business leaders and enjoy the first of our NHBA Business Breakfast series with guest speaker Wayne Norrie.

As chairman of NZTE’s Beachhead Programme, Wayne will share key messages which you can apply to your business growth strategy. Look at your business from a new perspective – learn how to avoid elements which will delay the achievement of your goals.

Page 18 has an interview with Wayne and RSVP details.

Connect with Mayor Len Brown over lunch in March. Hear his priorities and plans which are detailed on page 19 to understand how they will impact on your business: 19 March.

NHBA’s successful Business Expo returns 16 May and provides an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your business to hundreds of local business decision makers. Exhibitor stands are limited to just 80, so please don’t risk missing out as we turned away exhibitors in 2012.

Details will be made available shortly regarding our Technology Showcase which we are hosting in conjunction with Chorus and other key partners – to drive awareness, understanding and improved efficiency, made possible through the ultra fast broadband platform.

We will also launch key business training programmes which reflect the needs identified through the 2012 business capability survey.

With the proposed expansion of the North Business Improvement District, NHBA will consolidate and continue to strengthen its services through economies of scale and the tangible value delivered to local business at minimum cost. Our current members reinforced how much these programmes are valued through the Vote Yes Again in 2012 ballot result. We look forward to a positive result from the ‘One Voice For Local Business – Together Stronger’ ballot within the coming months.

On behalf of your voluntary Executive Committee and your operational team, our thanks for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Design Lewis Hurst lewis@hcreative.co.nz Printer Trade Colour Print tradecolour@orcon.net.nz

North Harbour Business Association F4, 27-29 William Pickering Drive, Albany PO Box 303 126, North Harbour 0751 Office 09 968 2222 Web www.nhba.org.nz

Warren Kitchin CA Dip NZIM Chairman www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 3

in brief

New force in NZ security A new choice has emerged in the New Zealand security market with an expanded offering through Global Security.

As of February 1 2013, Global Security acquired and merged services with another privately-owned NZ security company, Icon Security Group.

Global’s managing director, Ross Johnson, says the merger will form New Zealand’s largest privately-owned security company.

“By combining the resources of our two companies, we’re able to increase our scope and levels of service,” says Mr Johnson.

“We now have a new Security Guards division with more than two-hundred trained and qualified security professionals, employed under the Global umbrella.”

Mr Johnson founded First Security Guard Services in 1999 and grew it into a 600-staff operation before selling in 2006. He has since focused on developing technology for the security industry. This latest acquisition marks a return to his industry roots.

“We felt there was an opportunity in the industry to launch a fully-in-

tegrated electronic and guard services offering,” he says.

“We’re providing highly-trained professional guard staff, backed up with latest alarm monitoring and security technology. One of our key strengths will be a significant investment in our operating and reporting platforms.”

Global’s new guard division will protect business and private assets – including business premises, cash collections, alarm response, public events, and protection of key people.

Mr Johnson says Icon Security and Global are well-established operators and have worked together for several years. Icon’s management and staff will remain in the business.

For a healthy bottom line

Global Security (09) 918 9002 rossj@globalsecurity.co.nz www.globalsecurity.co.nz Icon Security Group (09) 415 1854 gmorrison@icongroup.co.nz www.icongroup.co.nz

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in brief

E

ncouraging your staff to be healthy and fit can have direct benefits on your profitability. Staff who maintain a reasonable level of fitness are likely to have more energy and be more productive, have reduced absenteeism and a happier team morale.

Paul Richards, CEO at Club Physical, urges business managers to encourage their staff to be healthy and fit.

He has introduced a 12-week Transformation programme which helps customers work out, lose weight and tone up.

KIWI SALARIES UP 5% IN 2012

T

he average Kiwi pay packet increased 5% to $74,579 per annum across jobs advertised on www.seek.co.nz in 2012. In Auckland, the average salary rose by $2,800 from January to November 2012, an increase of 3.9%, reflecting an average annual salary of $75,494. Wellington pay packets grew by $5,765, bringing the average salary up 7.6% to $81,384.

As with previous years, Taranaki and the West Coast feature in the top three average annual salaries. Taranaki saw the highest increase across the year, 26.3%, and is now the region with the country’s highest average annual salary. The West Coast recorded an average salary of $79,375, almost $5,000 above the national average, despite a decline of 17.3% from January 2012.

Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK New Zealand, says a high concentration of roles in the highest-paying sector, Mining, Resources and Energy, are advertised in Taranaki.

Real Estate and Property roles saw the strongest gains, growing by 14.1% to record an average annual salary of $87,777.

Mining, Resources and Energy reported an average annual salary of $114,106, almost $40,000 above the national average. Being one of the fastest growing industries in 2012 propelled Consulting and Strategy into second place ($101,818), followed by Engineering ($93,800), Information and Communication Technology ($89,403), and Real Estate and Property ($87,777).

Ms Faulding says the new year is always busy on www.seek.co.nz as jobseekers put New Year’s career resolutions into action, so it’s a good time for employers looking to attract or retain good staff to review salary packages.

Crime Stats over Christmas Four burglaries in the NHBA area have been reported to the police Since Christmas. This level of activity does not reflect an increase from the previous year. The criminals got away with little of

value; the greatest impact on the businesses affected was the time and cost of fixing the damage caused. Please report anything suspicious to the police. Together we can stop criminals.

executive Committee

Meet your North Harbour Business Association Executive Committee members

S

trong leadership, robust governance, clear vision and strategic direction are just some of the key elements for any organisation looking to succeed within today’s business environment.

As general manager of NHBA, I am delighted to report to an executive committee which embraces the importance of these foundations and offers additional relationships, expertise and experience to support the development of our Business Improvement District.

The NHBA executive committee comprises successful businessmen and women who are not only passionate about the North Harbour business district but commit-

ted to ensuring our member services and programmes deliver value back to our members. They own, manage or represent businesses in North Harbour.

Please may I introduce you to the current NHBA committee members. They were elected in October 2012 and are serving a term of 12 months. They give their time on a voluntary basis to continually improve and empower businesses within the North Harbour Business Improvement District.

Janine Brinsdon General Manager North Harbour Business Association

Les Probert

Les Probert is principal of marketing consultancy ePromotionz Ltd (www.epromotionz.co.nz) and joined the NHBA board when it was still ABBA (Albany Basin Business Association).

This is his second stint as a board member and includes chair of the marketing committee. He is a passionate “shoreite” and strongly believes in the collective power of businesses working together. His vision for NHBA is for an increasingly strong business association working for the benefit of all members.

Warren Kitchin, chairman

Warren Kitchin, chairman

Warren is a long-serving NHBA Committee member and has strong interests in business/economic development and technology. He was directly involved in the establishment of the NHBA Crime Prevention Scheme which has made significant improvements to security of the North Harbour Industrial Estate in recent years. He was also long serving Trustee of Economic Development Agency - Enterprise North Shore prior to the consolidation of Auckland City.

Warren is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Commercial Pilot and has experience in a range of businesses from SME to corporate within the Aviation/Travel, Automated Property Management, IT, Energy Efficiency/Lighting and Horticulture sectors.

Warren has been a Trustee of Enterprise North Shore. He has successfully developed a series of businesses over the past 15 years and is currently contracted as General Manager for the fast growing Enlightenz Group which specialises in energy efficient commercial, industrial and architectural lighting and is also a director/advisory board member and investor in several private companies.

Ph 915 6740, Email warren.kitchin@claremontferrand.com 6 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

Ph 963 7480, Email: les@epromotionz.co.nz

John Kerridge

Having been in the Albany Industrial Estate for 18 years, John has seen many changes and interacted with many business people in the area. He has also been involved with many companies at board level and is presently operating an office furniture manufacturing factory. His desire with NHBA is to support its evolution, preferably through steady, sensible growth. North Harbour has many, diversified companies, bringing many opportunities for synergy with benefits for everyone. He is looking forward to working with other board members over the coming year.

Richard Blamey

Richard Blamey joined the NHBA board to help drive the success of a business community that is vital to the success of his business.

“The North Harbour Business District is a fantastic place to do business, and I am excited by the prospect of expanding the BID area east of the motorway,” he says. He is senior partner at BNZ Partners, North Shore.

Ph 415 3931, Email Richard_Blamey@bnz.co.nz

Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore says the NHBA board is serious about its responsibility to be the collective voice of the NHBA members and strives to ensure members’ concerns are heard by the appropriate authorities. “I know we have made a difference and have developed relationships no individual member could ever have hoped to achieve,” he says. “The NHBA board is determined to work on behalf of you, our members, but I implore you to engage in the process.” Kevin has been a board member for four years and is divisional manager, Crown Business Services.

Ph 415 7425, Email kmoore@crownworldwide.com

Janet Marshall

Chris’s passion is business education. He is a qualified accountant, has a Diploma of Teaching and has worked as a business coach for 11 years. Chris put himself forward for the board to work towards increasing the range, depth and quality of business education available to the members.

As manager, Commercial Sales and Leasing at Colliers International North Shore, Janet leads a professional team of commercial real estate brokers. She is passionate about the North Shore and helping businesses make decisions with confidence, using her extensive local market knowledge to achieve their goals. Janet is looking forward to representing members and adding value to the NHBA. She welcomes members to connect with her on Linked In.

Ph 414 6660, Email chrisbaker@actioncoach.com

Ph 021 684 775, Email Janet.marshall@colliers.com

Ph 415 8312, Email john@westtec.co.nz

Chris Baker

executive Committee

Les Probert

John Kerridge

Chris Baker

Richard Blamey

Kevin Moore

Janet Marshall

Geoff Ashenden

Greg Frittelli

Brenden Rolston

Heather Stonyer

Jenny Watson

Brent Mackway-Jones

Geoff Ashenden

Geoff Ashenden is director of the ABA Chaucer Limited, a B2B marketing communications consultancy and advertising agency established in 1986. In 2010, Geoff opened Vital Health Company Limited, an exporter and local distributor of natural, wholefood-based dietary supplements.

As a local resident and business owner, he’s concerned about crime and traffic, and joined the NHBA in 2006 to give practical help to solve these problems, and to promote and grow North Harbour businesses. Geoff helped run the initial door-to-door surveys across the North Harbour BID area in 2007/8.

As a fitness walker he knows most commercial buildings, signboards and stairwells in North Harbour.

Ph 448 2772, Email md@abachaucer.co.nz

Brenden Rolston

This is Brenden’s second year on the NHBA board, providing a special interest to marketing support. His vision for NHBA is to grow a vibrant business hub which connects local businesses; to represent local businesses with one voice; to provide and lobby for world class infrastructure. “For the business district to experience sustainable growth, we need a strong voice to deal with council and Government,” he says.

Brenden’s advice to NHBA members is: If you want to connect locally, talk to your friendly NHBA board and get connected.

He is managing director, Actionmail.

Ph 415 4508, Email brenden.rolston@actionmail.co.nz

Heather Stonyer

Jenny Watson

Jenny is a commercial solicitor at Clendons North Shore and has worked in the North Harbour area for more than seven years. She was a member of the NHBA board last year and served on the finance sub-committee.

Until September she worked on Rosedale Road within the BID District. “Now I’m on Orbit Drive outside the BID District, but I can see how this side of the motorway would benefit from being part of the association,” she says.

“As well as much-needed advocacy for the businesses on this side, the expansion would open up some fantastic new networking opportunities on this side of the motorway.”

Ph 965 2661, Email jenny.watson@clendons-ns.co.nz

Brent Mackway-Jones

Greg believes NHBA is another good reason for doing business and living on the shore. “I’m looking forward to promoting the concept of members helping members,” he says.

Greg is on the Finance Committee to ensure good governance. His business has been in Paul Matthews Road for 10 years and this is his second stint on the NHBA board. “My vision is for North Harbour to be considered the best area in which to work in New Zealand,” he says.

“My motto: Keep it local.”

Greg is authorised financial adviser, ILG (Insurance & Lending Group)

Heather joined Unitec Institute of Technology in 2012 in the role of director, Campus Development. She is keenly interested in building a strong interface between the Northern Campus, Unitec and NHBA. “I bring a strong background in sustainability, having worked as a consultant and researcher/project manager with the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development,” she says. “In this role I helped shape central and local government policy and planning across the intersection of environmental, resource and economic sustainability; create business innovation and joint venture partnerships; and developed clearer business understanding of the role of social innovation for business.”

Having moved to Auckland from Dunedin in 1979 and established his business in 1983, Brent has nearly 30 years’ business experience on the North Shore. He is a keen skier and golfer and married with three children.

Brent works with companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporate operations in a variety of markets. He has developed extensive knowledge on issues that companies have faced over the years and how they’ve adapted to cope with changes in the various economic climates.

He looks forward to contributing some of this knowledge to the North Harbour Business community.

Ph 448 2092, Email greg@ilg.co.nz

Ph 815 4321 ext 5054, Email hstonyer@unitec.ac.nz

Ph 415 6800, Email Brent@Pacrite.co.nz

Greg Frittelli

www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 7

sector focus

Sustaining sustainability Sustainability applies to everything from turning off the light when you leave the room to designing a country’s export strategy based on clean, green values. It’s about protecting what we have, as individuals, as companies and as a country so that it will be available for future generations.

8 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

sector focus

H

eather Stonyer, director – Campus Development, Unitec Institute of Technology, says there are several ways to approach sustainability, one of which is better business practice.

Unitec scored highly in this last year when it won the Trailblazer Not For Profit Award in the 2012 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards, reflecting its Environmental Sustainability Strategy across its campuses in Albany, Waitakere and Mt Albert in Auckland.

The programme involved more than 160 staff and student eco-reps and included planting native shrubs, using mini bins and double-sided printing, establishing a sustainable arboretum and using worm farms at the Waitakere and Albany campuses.

Last year Unitec became the first NZ tertiary institution to sign the UN Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions, developed an on-line Environmental Management System and initiated activities such as Bike Wise month and car-pooling services.

On a national scale, the Government’s Economic Growth Agenda (EGA) recognises green growth The Government in the creation of a more productive, is spending an export-oriented economy, and the need extra $2.5 million for New Zealand’s products to meet on encouraging our clean, green image. business energy The Government is spending an efficiency in extra $2.5 million on encouraging busi- 2012/13. ness energy efficiency in 2012/13.

Through EECA, the Government is implementing new standards and labelling for electrical appliances, providing information to businesses, and supporting importers and manufacturers in meeting product standards and promoting energy efficient products. EECA will also encourage businesses to reduce their use of fossil fuels and/or switch to more efficient fuels.

Commitment to these issues is reflected at council level, for example, strong visionary statements in the Auckland Plan which includes “the long-term aspirational goal of Zero Waste by 2040”.

However, New Zealand has substantial environmental issues, notably greenhouse gas emissions, degraded water quality in our lowland waterways and our standard practices in waste management.

On a global scale, there is a general shift towards greener growth and New Zealand is well positioned to perform well, thanks to its relatively low population density and less intensive industrialisation, along with extensive mountainous areas and generous rainfall and wind. One-third of the nation’s land area has conservation status and remains in native vegetation, protected high country which provides a large renewable source of freshwater.

New Zealand is in the top tier of OECD nations in the use of non-fossil energy for electricity generation. Approximately 70% of our generation is hydro, geothermal and wind power, with a goal to reach 90% by 2025. Of total energy usage, non-fossil fuel sources are approximately 39%.

These percentages reflect New Zealand’s renewable energy resources and our relatively low levels of population density, industrialisation and electricity demand.

Shedding light on energy efficiency How many company directors does it take to change a light bulb? One, as long as he or she is open to new technology.

M

ajor advances in energy efficient technology and improved lighting design are generating good news stories in sustainability in business.

That’s because most investments in lighting have a reasonably quick, visible payback. Even better, there may be funding available to ease the pain.

0800 Save Energy works with companies to improve energy efficiency in lighting, for new buildings, upgrades or buildings being taken over for a different purpose which have different lighting needs.

Martin Lynch, client advisor – Energy Management, says the first task is to focus on what the lighting design has to achieve; ie, its function and aesthetics that the person needs to operate appropriately. The second step is the energy efficiency – what savings are achievable while improving the lighting, including the control of the lighting, and fulfilling health and safety standards.

LED technology is a major development in energy efficiency, not only because it uses less power but because, as an electronic device, it has a wide range of control options as standard; Eg daylight harvesting, occupancy controls and dimming.

However Mr Lynch warns that LED is developing faster than the standards that support it. “There are lots of good standards in place for current lighting technology, but the standards for LED are still being developed so there is a lot of variable quality.”

He says most overhauls of lighting systems implemented by 0800 Save Energy achieve on average 60-80 per cent savings in lighting energy, with pay back of two to four years. “That’s not long given that most lighting systems last at least 10 years or more, plus you’re getting improved lighting quality and often better functionality.” The company recently won two Illumination Engineering Society awards,

one for a project at Auckand International Airport which included savings of 69% lighting usage and the second for a lighting upgrade of the University of Auckland Owen Gleen lecture theatre.

The airport project saved 500,000 kW hours over a year but to achieve such results, he says, customers have to accept the company motto: The first cut is the deepest.

“Let’s say you put in a solution which gives 30% savings but a few more controls would have achieved 55-60% savings. If you don’t get that right first time, you can’t go back and fix it because you’ve already spent your money on the fittings and you can’t justify going back to get your last 20%.

You’re stuck with that until that lighting comes up for renewal and that could be another 10 years.”

Martin says that over the life of the installation, the extra spend will be recovered several times from the extra savings achieved.

LED technology is a major development in energy efficiency, not only because it uses less power but because, as an electronic device, it has a wide range of control options as standard.

The Government is spending an extra $2.5 million on encouraging business energy efficiency in 2012/13. Through EECA the Government is focusing on developing and implementing new standards and labelling for electrical appliances; providing information to businesses; and supporting importers and manufacturers in meeting product standards and promoting energy efficient products. The increase in funding will also allow EECA to focus more resources on encouraging businesses to reduce their use of fossil fuels and/or switch to more efficient fuels. www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 9

advocacy

Margaret Miles on speaking up With 15 years’ experience as a local councillor, 18 months as deputy chairperson and nine months as chairperson of the newly created Upper Harbour Local Board, Margaret Miles enjoys the challenges of local politics. The transition from five city councils to one, the Auckland Council, has brought plenty of challenges as all parties settled into their new roles.

T

he new format operates on two complementary and non-hierarchical decision-making parts: • Auckland Council, consisting of a mayor elected by all Aucklanders and 20 councillors elected on a ward basis.

Auckland Council focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions.

• 21 local boards, with members elected by local board area. Local boards represent their local communities and make decisions on local issues, activities and facilities.

The move from five city councils to one big council inevitably generated fears that every party would face greater competition for the funding pie and a smaller voice with which to ask for a slice. Mrs Miles acknowledges the concern and says it’s important to understand the new structure of local politics to ensure that when a body or organisation asks for what it needs, it asks in the most effective way.

As part of presenting their needs to Council, all local boards create an Agreement and a Plan.

The Upper Harbour Local Board Agreement (2012/2013), for example, sets its tasks for 12 months, including budget and funding for activities and performance measures for the financial year. Local board agreements are part of the Council’s Annual Plan.

The Upper Harbour Local Board Plan (20112014) contains the aspirations and priorities that the people of Upper Harbour have for their community. It sets the framework that will guide local board members’ decision-making and actions over the next three years.

Auckland Council sets the budget for each local board which then spends it according to their annual agreement and three-year plan.

It’s important to understand the new structure of local politics to ensure that when a body or organisation asks for what it needs, it asks in the most effective way.

10 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

These documents are available for viewing on www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

How does this structure impact on NHBA? North Harbour Business Improvement District falls within the mandate of UHLB, with the targeted rate as collected by council, reflected in the UHLB budgets.

Under the previous system, Mrs Miles says, “There would have been a greater understanding for business associations at council level, because they were well known to us. Under the new Council, it’s a bigger area, a bigger system, a huge area to become acquainted with.

“In the past, as an elected councillor, if something cropped up I would go to the staff member concerned or manager of that area and say, ‘Can we have it on the agenda so we can discuss it?’ Under the new system, they have a very long lead time to agendas.

“We have relationship managers so we don’t go direct to the staff member so it’s not a direct link.”

However, she stresses that local boards are available to lobby on behalf of business associations. “Before, they would go to the local council, whereas now it’s more important that they come to the local board. We are the ones with the knowledge. We can advocate for them even if we don’t have the same access to additional grant funding, because it’s more the decision of the governing body council.

“We do have the process of a local board plan so it’s more formalised than it was.

“It’s really important that the business associations make us aware of the issues they have so that we can feed them into our local board plan and our agreement.”

The Upper Harbour Local Board also enjoys a good relationship with Auckland Transport and other council agencies. “We can submit things to Auckland Transport and support NHBA and they can reinforce things for us.

“For the first eighteen months it was not clear how everyone fitted in, but now as time goes on I think the roles of local boards are

“I really enjoy helping people whether it’s finding information or helping to get funding for a project. I enjoy taking on a task and finishing it.” becoming clearer, both to us and to the community.”

In her chairperson’s message in the Upper Harbour Local Board Agreement (2012/2013), Mrs Miles says the board’s vision is for Upper Harbour to have the very best lifestyle and business environment in the Auckland region.

“I really enjoy helping people whether it’s finding information or helping to get funding for a project. I enjoy taking on a task and finishing it. We can’t always do it but I’ve always tried to be honest with people and if I think it’s impossible, I’ll say, ‘Look, I understand what you’re asking, but I don’t think the chances are great.’

“Some local politicians will say, ‘Yep, yep, I’ll do that,’ and they know the chances are minimal. That wastes everybody’s time and people are frustrated because they’ve put a lot of time and input into it and it hasn’t come to fruition.

“Sometimes I do get a bit cynical and think, ‘Oh, what’s the point?’ But then I think of something that has been achieved and that if I hadn’t been there and hadn’t tried it, perhaps it wouldn’t have happened.

Sometimes that’s as simple as mowing the lawns.

“A resident asked why a park was messy and hadn’t been mowed so I looked at it and it had fallen off the maintenance schedule [in the transition to the new structure]. So it was put on the schedule and it looks so much better.”

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One Voice For Local Business

Together stronger In the coming months, business tenants and commercial property owners in the proposed new membership area, as shown in the map opposite page, will receive a postal ballot form that represents an important opportunity. The postal ballot invites these businesses and property owners to vote in support of joining the North Harbour Business Improvement District.

This is not a circular. Please make time to read – it will affect you. You have a choice – so please have your say.

The North Harbour Business Improvement District Expansion Ballot will create an even stronger business district. Approximately 1400 businesses and rate payers on the eastern side of the Northern Motorway are invited to join the current 2500 businesses and property owners on the western side of the Northern Motorway.

A combined Business Improvement District will deliver additional benefits to both groups.

Here’s why: North Harbour Business Association (NHBA) manages the delivery of member programmes and services, providing one point of contact for all issues which impact members. NHBA general manager Janine Brinsdon says that a successful poll will give businesses in both areas a bigger voice, which is critical under the new Auckland Council structure. “A stronger voice

Join us

will enable NHBA to lobby Council for returned investment in economic benefits and improved infrastructure, which reflect the needs of local business and support continued commercial property development and investment.

“The businesses on both sides of the motorway share many of the same challenges.

We all want to continue to attract good cali-

A successful poll will give businesses in both areas a bigger voice, which is critical under the new Auckland Council structure. bre of personnel, and that means efficiency in terms of transport, and providing a safe and desirable environment for staff and trade visitors. It doesn’t matter whether a company is on the west or east of the motorway, we can all benefit through a single voice, stronger representation.”

Janine Brinsdon says the combined strength of 2000 actual businesses would create a sustainable and powerful voice for business.

NHBA’s operational costs wouldn’t increase significantly. “It’s about business efficiency gained through greater economy of scale.”

NHBA is committed to encouraging effective networking strategies throughout its membership. Widening the pool of member companies who support each other directly and through business referrals would be a huge benefit of expansion. “The more members, the greater the opportunities for working together,” Ms Brinsdon says.

A positive vote in the forthcoming expansion ballot, will increase the impact and influence local business can exert across issues which are important to their financial success.

Please make sure you are informed and have your say. www.nhba.org.nz/togetherstronger

Join us

Join us

Join us

Join us

and we’ll help fix parking

for real ways to help prevent crime

for a voice in the meetings that count for breakfast with inspiring business leaders

12 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

to help keep business moving

Together stronger

We can help grow your business in 2013

urrent Business C Improvement District Proposed expanded membership area

When many businesses are operating in the same area, they mostly want the same things.

So it makes sense if they speak with one voice.

Smooth traffic flow. Reduced crime.

Better transport. Meeting your business neighbours. Improving your business skills. Knowing that your goals are important to the decision makers.

North Harbour Business Association is dedicated to making the North Harbour Business Improvement District even better. We look at the big picture: we work to maintain an attractive area to live and work, supporting demand from quality tenants; we work to encourage confidence and innovation in business, connection between education providers and business, and to reduce crime.

Mostly, we ask what you want and take your message to the right people. With a combined voice of 1300 businesses, we can be surprisingly loud.

Soon, we may be even louder.

Businesses in the North Harbour Business Improvement District already know the benefits of having a strong voice to represent their needs. In the next few months, businesses in the proposed expansion area will have the same opportunity.

Vote Yes to joining the North Harbour Business Improvement District and have NHBA work for you.

Auckland Transport We will make sure that Auckland Transport understands what is important to business.

We will work with business to maximise the parking available and to promote alternatives to one person per car. Our Carpool programme has over 300 registered potential passengers or drivers - who want to share a ride to North Harbour. We will even provide free public transport passes to give it a try. Our Real Time Cameras will show you the best times to travel, LookBeforeYouLeave.co.nz.

Help prevent crime The 1000 crime prevention toolkits already delivered, are helping businesses improve their security and will continue to do so. We will provide training around subjects such as internet fraud, personal safety, internal theft, shoplifting and CCTV. Our security patrol will continue to enhance your own security arrangements.

Last year burglaries decreased by a further 8% in our NHBA area, and we are determined to continue this downward trend.

Get closer to your biggest customers, share breakfast with people in power We arrange more than 10 functions per year

including the NHBA Business Breakfasts, luncheons, Business After Five and our annual Business Expo. These opportunities to network with other local business people and hear from industry leaders are fun and hugely beneficial in helping you to grow your business.

Have a presence in the meetings that matter When an issue is affecting your business, you need to know who to call. With a combined voice of 1300-plus members, NHBA has access to the decision makers. We are here to empower your business and to remove some of the roadblocks that can frustrate you and your staff.

We do our job so you can focus on yours.

If you are in the North Harbour Business Improvement District, please call us when you need help. For those businesses close by, keep a look out for our expansion postal ballot information. This is your chance to have your say, simply vote yes to join us.

You can find out more here: www.nhba.org.nz/togetherstronger www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 13

Who’s new?

Gurit: It’s hard to beat North Harbour

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hen it was time to look for new premises, the management of Gurit, formerly SP-High Modulus Gurit, visited sites throughout Auckland, but in September last year, the company moved just six minutes’ drive from Canaveral Drive, Albany to John Glenn Avenue, North Harbour.

Gurit offers a full range of composite materials including fibre-reinforced pre-pregs; carbon, glass and Aramid fabrics; structural cores; epoxy gel coats, adhesives and laminating systems; tooling solutions; consumables; as well as technical support services and structural engineering design.

The company’s growth markets include wind energy, transportation, marine and industrial which encompasses all other composite applications, eg architecture and infrastructure, agriculture and sports goods. The group has sites in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Canada, Spain, Australia, the USA, Ecuador, India, China and Ecuador.

Recent Gurit projects include a public art installation in Australia; ice hockey equipment to the USA; innovative architecture in Saudi Arabia, and superyachts in Finland.

The new 1650m2 building accommodates Gurit’s southern hemisphere-based structural engineers, B3 SmartPac designers, administration and sales staff, and warehouse and production teams.

General manager Paul Goddard says the North Harbour/Rosedale area offered exactly what the company needed. “The location is easily accessible by motorways and main

14 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

roads for our staff, who are based on the shore, in the city and further south,” he says.

“There are lots of local services and facilities such as pharmacies, dry cleaners and retail so people can make efficient use of their lunch breaks, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to entertain suppliers and clients.

“Since we moved to the North Shore eighteen years ago, the development has expanded with a good mix of residential, light industrial, retail and green areas. You’re never too far away from a park, reserve or walkway,” says Mr Goddard.

“It suited existing staff and gave us the opportunity to recruit more since the area has a good pool of a wide range of skills, and it was easy to attract new workers, from Auckland and overseas.”

Gurit uses local businesses wherever possible: for example, its corporate clothing comes from EmbroidMe on William Pickering Drive and its corporate catering from Appresso Food Company on Douglas Alexander Parade.

Richard Downs-Honey, former co-owner of High Modulus, and now based with Gurit, USA, says the North Shore was a logical location when the company moved from Warkworth in 1994. It was still relatively close for staff who wanted to remain in Warkworth and the price was right. Two key reasons for selecting the North Shore were staff and traffic, he says.

“It suited existing staff and gave us the opportunity to recruit more since the area has a good pool of a wide range of skills, and it was easy to attract new workers, from Auckland and overseas. Also, those coming from Auckland were travelling against the flow in the mornings, and we were just north of the slow-moving traffic heading south.

“In summary, the North Shore has met our needs well, providing opportunities for different size operations, and the option of living locally is attractive.”

Some recent projects in New Zealand to which Gurit has supplied materials and/or engineering, include: composite rotary milking platforms for Waikato Milking Systems in Hamilton; composite roof panels for The Base/Te Awa retail centre, Hamilton; composite seats for the Shotover Jet in Queenstown; Q5 Quintessential superyacht designed by Warwick Yacht Design, also based in Albany.

Gurit Asia Pacific Limited 11 John Glenn Avenue Rosedale 0632, Auckland, New Zealand T +64 (0) 9 415 6262 www.gurit.com/marine

NORTH

Š

1-31 MARCH FESTIVAL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

a month of workshops, activities and fun events to help inform, educate and inspire change for the good of the planet and our communities. www.ecofest.org.nz

Get Outdoors

Tread Lightly Co-ordinated by Environment Centre

Supported by

Live Smarter

“So how is it going out there?”

Brendon Cutler, Associate – Business Services at Hayes Knight North, Albany, explains Five Key Factors for Success in business.

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n the current economic landscape, our clients look to their accountant for insight. One of the most common questions they ask us is: “So how is it going out there?”

The answer is: patchy.

Our clients range from small sole traders to multi-million dollar businesses across international markets, so we are well placed to observe the economy. It can be a lonely place: head down, working hard and not really sure how your business is measuring up.

Many businesses continue to grow and even report record profits, but many others have reported zero or negative growth and falling profits over the past few years.

So what makes the difference? We have identified five key factors which are present in businesses who are performing well despite the global financial crisis.

Innovation Innovation is a well-worn word but generally it features little in businesses who are just getting by. Not so long ago, these businesses provided a reasonable return on the back of long-standing relationships, and brand and customer loyalty.

However many consumers want fresh products and services and they want them delivered in new ways. Loyalty is less common; switching suppliers is easy and less costly than it was. Businesses who are continually reviewing their products and services, and their customer experience, ie websites, are faring better than those who don’t.

Understand your customer Find out what your customer wants – and deliver it. So many businesses fail on this point because they don’t understand what their customers want or how they want it. Social media such as Facebook has

16 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

provided new ways to communicate with customers and conduct market research.

One of our clients released a range of new products and spent significant money on traditional marketing. The result was poor, so they uploaded products on their Facebook site to gauge interest. Within hours and with no investment, they knew they had a winning product.

If your product or service is targeted at a particular demographic, consider hiring staff who represent that demographic.

Eg, Generation Y: bring in younger team members who understand how your customer buys from you and why.

Businesses who communicate regularly with their customers usually understand what their customers want.

monitoring of their stock, reduced wages, fewer errors and accurate reports.

Ask yourself: how can we use technology to do this better, faster, cheaper?

Technology

Passion & Energy

Technology is a major factor affecting business today and it’s developing faster than ever. The most successful businesses identified technology early on and integrated it into their major business functions.

If you plan it well, technology can change traditional business models and significantly reduce costs in inventory management, reporting and integration with company websites.

One of our clients had a rapidly expanding range of inventory lines.

They automated several manual inventory processes which gave them closer

These are critical, in the owner and throughout the organisation. We can tell quickly from the way a business interacts, communicates and sells whether the staff are passionate about what they do. If they are, it will be a big part of your customers’ buying decision.

Use of KPIs Key Performance Indicators have been around for years but many businesses still don’t use them. It doesn’t need to be a 20-page report every month. Establish a list of the most important key indicators of your business and a consistent way of measuring them on a monthly basis – a simple, one-page list of KPIs will improve your control of your business and be a great staff motivator. Use graphs, colours and symbols if this helps to convey your results to your team.

To learn more about how to grow your business, contact Hayes Knight North or Brendon Cutler: T: +64 9 448 3236 M: +64 21 441 654 E: brendon.cutler@hayesknight.co.nz

To choose the right accountant, look beyond the numbers

Keeping your business future fit is about being better equipped to make bold and powerful financial decisions. At Hayes Knight, rather than just work the numbers, we interpret them. The result is a more empowered, knowledgeable client able to be proactive with the next steps of their business.

To learn more about how to grow your business, contact Hayes Knight North, Albany: T: +64 9 414 5444 F: +64 9 414 5001 E: albany@hayesknight.co.nz

business Breakfast

Tea, toast and the top six mistakes

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f you want to take your business overseas without making the six most common mistakes for new exporters, come to breakfast with Wayne Norrie.

Mr Norrie will be guest speaker at the first NHBA-sponsored business breakfast for 2013 on 26 February speaking in his role as chairman of the Beachheads Programme run by NZ Trade and Enterprise.

“New Zealand has got to take advantage of its size,” he says. “We’re too small to copy the rest of the world and when we copy Australia or copy the United States or copy Europe, all we do is make our size a disadvantage – and what we need to do is make our size our advantage.

“And we’ve got so many advantages, but for 100 years or so people have said, ‘Oh, we’re on the bottom of the world and we’re only four million people, how can we compete?’

“One of our advantages is that we can share and help people grow at speed and only small countries can do that. So Beachheads is a great example of doing that. Pretty much every company that goes to export overseas, they jump the Ditch and land on their nose, jump the Ditch and land on their nose, jump the Ditch and land on their nose.

“One of our advantages is that we can share and help people grow at speed and only small countries can do that.”

“So we say, ‘Hey, why don’t we teach them to jump the Ditch and land on their feet?’” He says most companies make the same six mistakes. “We don’t have the time or the depth in our economy to keep allowing companies to do that so we have to share the mistakes and spread the love, basically.”

His breakfast presentation will lift the lid on those mistakes. “Some of them are applicable to companies operating in the domestic market. They’re certainly more applicable to new markets,” he says.

“While the Beachheads Programme teaches companies to land on their feet, business is 18 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

all about people. People often forget that, so we actually open up the corridors of power in these markets. So whether it be China, Japan, US, Europe, South-east Asia, wherever, it’s amazing because New Zealand has the second highest proportion per capita of assets in terms of people: four million onshore and one million offshore.”

“We don’t have the time or the depth in our economy to keep allowing companies to make the same mistakes, so we have to share the mistakes and spread the love, basically.”

These culminated in a management buy out (MBO) of Hitachi Data Systems NZ with business partner Roger Cockayne to form Revera.

Mr Norrie is chairman of the following: Hi Tech Association (HTA), Team BLM (making the Bruce McLaren movie and Fronde. He is a director of: Maven, Aspeq and Revera.

He is a member of the WCNZ (World Class New Zealander) network, and the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management.

Wayne is a popular speaker on governance, culture and leadership.

What is Beachheads?

Many New Zealanders have done really well overseas, he says, and many of them are in corridors of power. The Beachheads Programme rounds up these successful Kiwis overseas and friends of Kiwis and once we have these companies who have landed on their feet we open up the corridors of power that they normally wouldn’t get into and accelerate their growth.”

He believes the Beachheads Programme enables companies to achieve in 12 months what it would take five years to do organically.

Mr Norrie says his presentation will summarise learning from 160 companies. “And from that companies can take a good hard look at their own business to see if three or four of those mistakes apply to themselves and they can grow from that.

“It will be worth getting out of bed for,” he says.

Wayne Norrie Director and co-founder of Revera Mr Norrie is chair of the NZTE Beachhead program and served on the Hi Growth Board.

He has around 30 years IT industry experience founded on a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) working on shore and offshore in technical, sales, management and governance roles.

The Beachheads Programme is a global, public-private partnership of independent Advisors and NZTE personnel that helps businesses accelerate international growth.

Beachheads advisors are successful private sector executives and a mix of expatriate New Zealanders and local business people. They understand the realities of doing business internationally and are committed to sharing their knowledge, experience and networks.

Beachheads Advisor networks are available in North America, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, Japan, India, Europe and New Zealand.

SAVE THE DATE NHBA Business Breakfast

Date: T uesday 26 February, 7am – 8.30 am Venue: North Shore Golf Club, Appleby Rd, Albany.

RSVP: e vents@nhba.org.nz or 09 968 2222 One representative per NHBA member is complimentary. Additional tickets are available for $35 + GST. Numbers are limited so please reserve your place now - see you there!

business luncheon

Photo credit: Jay Farnworth

Mayor Brown: removing the barriers

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will speak at the North Harbour Business Association luncheon on 19 March 2013.

Mayor Brown gave a preview of what’s on the menu.

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uckland is well on its way to being a truly international city, and integral to that is our growing reputation as a Pacific hub for innovation.

Innovation is critical to our economic future and North Harbour is in turn a key feature of Auckland’s innovation landscape.

The North Harbour Business Improvement District is one of Auckland’s fastest growing commercial and employment areas, with more than 1300 businesses and 13,000 employees.

You have an active and involved business association with an excellent awareness of local needs and how that fits with the greater Auckland economy.

One of Auckland Council’s first priorities was to develop our 10-year Economic Development Strategic, which was finalised last year. It recognises the importance of vibrant and well-connected local economies like North Harbour feeding into the wider productive, high value economy Auckland must build, in turn to support New Zealand as the nation’s economic powerhouse.

Auckland Council and its economic development arm ATEED are working hard to promote our businesses internationally, working closely with NZTE and MFAT, to forge connections particularly with foreign investors who can help bring Auckland innovation and ideas to life.

Your business association has a good understanding of these economic connections and has built strong links with your local board, and council and government economic development agencies.

Part of fostering Auckland business and innovation is helping to remove barriers and reduce the challenges.

It is no secret that traffic congestion is the key area hampering Auckland’s economic potential and stalling commercial freight and traffic in gridlock. With our population estimated to hit 2 million by 2030, it is an issue we can no longer postpone solving.

The severity of the problem was reiterated in December, when we released the result of 18 months of research involving the Ministry of Transport, the New Zealand Transport Agency, Treasury, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. It showed a looming crisis as population exceeds the capacity of the transport network to cope.

One of the key discussions facing Aucklanders this year is how we fund major transport infrastructure. To kick-start that discussion, the council has formed a Consensus

Building Group (CBG), including members representing a broad range of interests, to explore options for alternative transport infrastructure funding over the next 30 years.

Also this year, we will be seeking your opinions on the Unitary Plan, a single region-wide rulebook that sets out where and what we can develop and how we protect our environment and heritage.

I look forward to sharing more about Auckland and its future with you when I speak at your NHBA Business luncheon in March.

Len Brown Mayor of Auckland

SAVE THE DATE NHBA Luncheon with Mayor Len Brown

Date: Tuesday 19 March, 12.30 – 2 pm Venue: Millennium Institute of Sport and Health, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay RSVP: e vents@nhba.org.nz or 09 968 2222 One representative per NHBA member is complimentary. Additional tickets are available for $35 + GST. Numbers are limited so please reserve your place now - see you there! www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 19

Business report

Beginner’s guide to the share market

What is the NZX? The NZX is an integrated information, markets and infrastructure company.

NZX operates the New Zealand securities, derivatives and two private markets: the energy market and Fonterra’s Shareholders market.

It builds and maintains the infrastructure on which those markets operate, and provides a range of information and data to support market growth and development on a global scale.

NZX is best known for being the operator of the New Zealand stock exchange. The NZX main board is NZX’s original equities market and home for New Zealand’s best-known brands and companies.

There are 169 companies listed on the NZX, with a total market capitalisation of $69.5 billion, which is equivalent to 32% of GDP. NZX markets are where companies raise growth capital. They are a platform for investors to trade shares, and where investors find information to help them make sound investment decisions.

Information on investing There are a number of helpful introductory information sources online, tailored specifically to New Zealanders, where you can find further information about investing in the stock market.

The Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income provides information on different strategies for saving and investing, including in securities – see www.sorted.org.nz for more information.

20 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

In addition, the Financial Markets Authority provides information specific to investing at www.fma.govt.nz/help-me-invest.

What are shares Shares give you fractional ownership in a company. This means that when you buy a company’s share, you are buying the right to a share of the profits and dividends of the company, in addition to the right to vote at general and special meetings of the company.

To buy shares in a company that is listed on the NZX main board, you will need to approach an NZX accredited market participant. A list of accredited participants can be found on the NZX’s website at: www.nzx.com/investing/find_a_participant

Sorted websites Top 5 things you need to know about shares are: 1. Shares can rise and fall in value over the short term 2. The returns from shares grow through dividends as well as capital gains 3. Shares in privatelyowned companies are usually harder to sell 4. Shares are a long-term investment 5. Buying shares through a managed fund can help you spread your risk www.sorted.org.nz/a-z-guides/shares

h c t Maand Save find a

We give you access to a secure carpool matching service with a rapidly expanding community of members.

It’s free and easy – just join up, find a match and share a ride.

letscarpool.govt.nz

CRIME PREVENTION

Watch out for the inside job

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ost businesses think that being security conscious means keeping the bad guys off the property after hours, but, especially in tough economic times, the risk can be on the inside. Internal fraud is on the rise.

The superfrauds of more than $3m make the headlines and prosecuted frauds of more than $100,000 show up in the six-monthly Fraud Barometer issued by KPMG Forensics, but Blair Bulloch, senior manager at KPMG, says small companies cannot afford to be complacent.

“In some ways, SMEs need to be more vigilant about their internal and financial controls because they may not have the resources to implement more sophisticated controls that larger organisations have,” he says.

The Government is the biggest victim of fraud in New Zealand, largely due to tax and benefit scams, but smaller frauds are still ripping off smaller businesses.

In 2011, a survey by Pricewaterhouse Global showed 49.5% of businesses were victims of fraud by staff. In the same survey, New Zealand ranked fourth out of 78 countries surveyed as being likely to experience fraud.

The most common type of fraud in the survey period was accounting fraud. These cases all involved internal staff, employees or management as the perpetrator.

Stephen Bell, partner of KPMG Forensics, says all the frauds recorded against commercial businesses were accounting frauds. “This reinforces the need for all organisations, whatever their size, to consider the strength of their internal and financial controls, particularly in relation to the receipt of revenues and payment of payroll and accounts payable.”

There’s an old adage that if you have a good defence system, you won’t need to use it. The same applies to internal fraud. It’s nice and easy to have implicit trust in your staff, but you owe it to them and yourself to have good check systems in place. No payment should ever be approved without getting past at least two people; this is fairly standard as a means of checking for clerical errors anyway.

Gary Swan, managing director of Translegal,

says internal fraud is nearly always the work of people least suspected by their managers.

Internal fraud comes in many guises, from sweethearting; ie, giving away items or free service to family and friends, through to doctoring of invoices, accounts or even inwards/outwards documentation.

From his investigations into internal fraud, Mr Swan says that more than half the incidents occurred when the staff members identified a flaw or gap in their company’s procedures and took advantage of them.

If you are concerned that your bank account may be quietly bleeding cash without your knowledge, consider bringing in a specialist to have a discreet look over your accounting system.

They’ll soon let you know whether you have something to worry about or they will assure you that your defence systems are working.

NHBA in conjunction with Translegal is offering an opportunity for you to learn more about how to guard your business against internal fraud.

See below for details.

SAVE THE DATE

Guarding Against Internal Fraud This presentation is being undertaken by Gary Swan of Translegal Date: 27 March, 12.30–2pm Venue: BNZ Partners Centre, Level 3, Building 1, Candida Office Park 61 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland.

RSVP: anna.crane@nhba.org.nz or 09 968 2222 Two people free for NHBA member companies ($25 per person for guests and non NHBA members). Numbers are limited, so reserve your place now.

22 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

Tackling personal safety

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s part of the on-going crime prevention training offered by the North Harbour Business Association, 18 people attended a Personal Safety Training course on 5 December 2012 at the offices of Network Pro. The training was undertaken by fearfree, a local company specialising in personal and travel safety.

This entertaining breakfast offered practical examples and advice on how to deal with difficult situations, including how to de-escalate a situation by remaining calm, speaking in a controlled manner, using someone’s name and listening to their concerns.

Also mentioned was the importance of the environment in which you work and how it can help in keeping you safe.

For more information, please do contact NHBA’s Crime Prevention Specialist, Anna Crane. anna.crane@nhba.org.nz or 09 968 2222

Transport

Teleworking beats the commuting blues

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eat the traffic and be more efficient by teleworking, also known as e-working or telecommuting. It means taking advantage of computer and internet technology to work away from the office, usually at home, to reduce commuter travel.

Close to 30 per cent of New Zealand employees do some work from home, ranging from almost full-time to just one or two days a week or even just a few hours a day so they can travel to the office outside of congested travel times.

Teleworking occurs across all sectors, even in manufacturing. Information-based work, such as planning rosters, writing reports, working with data and talking to clients on the phone, is most suited to it.

Business surveys overseas have shown benefits to businesses include:

• 10 to 20 per cent increase in productivity, due to fewer distractions

• average six days fewer absenteeism per person per year

• at least four days in time saved from the daily commute and up to 15 days for long distances • up to NZD$12,000 bottom-line business savings per employee who teleworks two days per week.

For some employees, the most stressful part

of the day is their commute to work. Removing this stress makes for happier employees who are more likely to stay with the company.

Employee groups who highly value teleworking include Generation Y; people returning to work after an accident; new parents and people close to retirement.

The key elements for successful teleworking are:

• pre-planning and review • good communication • managing productivity by results • staff who can work independently • information-based tasks • simple technology solutions to stay connected To telework, most staff will require only a computer compatible with their workplace system and a broadband connection. Other teleworking tools include video communications, online file sharing and project management tools. Ideally, teleworkers have access to the same software that is available at work.

Many teleworkers say they are far more productive at home because they don’t have constant interruptions, but it’s important that teleworkers stay connected with their colleagues, for example, through weekly conference calls, effective communication

technology and a management approach that focuses on results.

Supervisors and teleworkers need to be clear about job expectations. Teleworking is not for everyone, and supervisors need to select employees who have the right tasks, abilities and circumstances.

Teleworking takes advantage of computer and internet technology to work away from the office, usually at home to reduce commuter travel.

People working from home achieve 10 – 20% higher productivity, due to fewer interruptions.

Cisco has commissioned a study of teleworking in New Zealand and Australia. The research will be carried out by the Work Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Melbourne University’s Institute for Broadband Enabled Society (IBES). Findings are expected to be released in October 2013.

For more information, contact Brigid Rogers – NHBA’s Transport Project Administrator who will be happy to work with you to see if Teleworking is appropriate for your business.

Albany Highway North reconstruction

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uckland Transport plans to upgrade the 4km stretch of Albany Highway between the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18) and Dairy Flat Highway (SH17).

Construction is currently programmed to begin after mid-2013 and is expected to take two years to complete.

Project overview About 15,000 vehicles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, use Albany Highway every day.

This regional arterial road serves the North Harbour industrial estate, five schools, Massey University, and a cluster of residential estates.

An upgrade of the highway is essential for reducing congestion,

improving safety for all road users (including the area’s 5,000 school students) and encouraging the use of all modes of transport.

Features

• The road will be widened to include a traffic lane, a T3 transit lane (for buses and vehicles with three or more people), on and off road cycle facilities and a wider footpath in both directions • Roundabouts will be changed to signalised intersections • A new four-lane bridge will be built over Oteha Stream • Overhead power and telecommunication lines will be put underground and new landscaping will make

the area more attractive

• New medians will make the road safer and plants will make it more attractive • Stormwater pipes will be upgraded to help reduce pollution from the road flowing into local streams.

Visit www.nhba.org.nz for info about the transport initiatives offered by the North Harbour Business Association.

Visit www.lookbeforeyouleave. co.nz to view real time traffic cameras in the North Harbour area including on Albany Highway. www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 23

NHBA Gold Sponsors 2013

Gold Sponsors The additional financial commitment shown by the following companies provides NHBA with the resources to enhance overall member programmes and activities beyond the funding we receive through the Business Improvement Targeted Rate.

Thank you on behalf of our members and the NHBA Executive Committee.

We encourage members to support these companies and to make the most of the Gold Sponsor Special Incentives as listed on www.nhba.org.nz.

ILG

The Insurance and Lending Group is an integrated financial practice comprising a traditional financial, investment and retirement planning consultancy, a fire and general insurance broking business and a finance company.

ILG was established in 2000 when the founder, Greg Frittelli, joined AMP as a financial adviser.

It is now a highly competent team serving more than 3000 businesses and individuals, mostly on Auckland’s North Shore.

ILG is one of AMP’s major representatives on the North Shore and also represents products from Tower, AXA, Vero, NZI, Lumley Insurance, QBE Insurance and Zurich Insurance.

Ph 09 448 2092 Web www.ilg.co.nz

The Caterers

Smoked salmon fillets and rare roasted sirloin bruschetta with horseradish cream… it’s not your usual catering fare, but then The Caterers isn’t your usual catering firm.

The Caterers is a small family company with proprietors Danny and Tracy Wrigley, operating out of the Columbus Coffee Café in William Pickering Drive.

“While we cater Auckland wide, we love the area we work in because we’re surrounded by a 24 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

vibrant business community that seems to be getting ahead faster than most, and we plan to make sure everybody is well fed along the way,” says Danny.

The smallest function The Caterers have served is four people to more than 3,000 during the Trinny and Susannah Road Show.

Ph 09 281 5453 Web www.thecaterers.co.nz/ contact-us

BNZ Partners

BNZ Partners is a fresh approach to business banking, based on a consistent financial relationship with someone who takes time to understand your business and support you in your business success.

The BNZ Partners Growth Programmes is a series of workshops run by leading independent industry experts, to help businesses establish clear objectives and set on the path to achieving them. http://www.bnz.co.nz/ business-banking/business-helpand-info/workshops-and-events/ growth-programmes.

Ph 029 222 0552 Web www.bnz.co.nz

Pinehurst School Based on Auckland’s North Shore, Pinehurst School is an independent co-education school for students from Year 1 to Year 13, where students are encouraged to strive for academic and personal excellence, and where

the relationship between student, teacher and parent is paramount.

Since 2002 Pinehurst has chosen to teach solely the University of Cambridge International Curriculum (CIE) and offers exclusively the CIE programme to all students. Year on year, the school achieves world-class results, with students regularly achieving top in New Zealand and in the World in CIE examinations. The roll is capped at 850 students ensuring a strong sense of community.

Pinehurst students dominate several sporting codes and National and World titles including Robotics, Equestrian, Dance, Music, Karate and in Golf.

Ph 09 414 0960 Web www.pinehurst.school.nz.

trade colour print

Trade Colour Print Trade Colour Print are general printers based in Albany. TCP will print anything on paper ranging from books, signage, business cards flyers – basically anything you need to promote and market your company.

Ph 09 448 5820 Web www.tradecolour.co.nz

Speedy Signs Albany Speedy Signs Albany uses the latest technology and highest quality products to produce custom signage for businesses. We

can custom any type of sign while remaining faithful to your company image, colours and logo.

Speedy Signs offers free quotes and will visit your site to help you with signage decisions.

Ph 09 414 5220 Web www.speedysigns.co.nz

Vision Accounting Solutions Ltd Vision Accounting Solutions Ltd was established in 2001. We are dedicated to professionally and ethically meeting our clients’ business, financial, taxation and accounting requirements in a friendly and environment where our clients feel welcome.

We provide real accounting for all businesses and communicate as real people rather than ‘number crunchers’. We can assist you with growing your business, protecting your asset base and gaining the maximum result from your business in income and lifestyle.

As a successful New Zealand-owned business we understand the challenges you face, from making effective business decisions to maximising your net worth. Vision Accounting Solutions Ltd has been helping businesses like yours navigate and chart the complex waters of business for more than 10 years.

We can also provide an independent review of your current financial status/position or a second opinion.

Ph 09 415 0319 web www.visionaccounting.co.nz

Global Security

Global Security and Icon Security Group have joined forces to provide you with improved levels of security protection. We are proud to be Gold Sponsors of the NHBA

NHBA Gold Sponsors 2013

and look forward to introducing its members to our new full security offer with our combined leading provisions of electronic security and guard services.

At Global, we believe in intelligent protection. It’s a flexible and dynamic approach – an approach that brings together the right systems, solutions and response plans to ensure that you get what you need.

We offer a full range of security services across New Zealand.

Ross Johnson and his team have more than 100 years’ collective experience. We are NZ’s largest locally-owned provider and are committed to every single business relationship.

Ph 0800 247 400 Web www.globalsecurity.co.nz

Labyrinth

Labyrinth provides a premium website design and online strategy service that gives marketers and business owners a world-class website, backed by high-level web strategy and support.

We won’t give you a ‘cookiecutter’ solution. We work with you to create a specific future-proof website that easily grows and changes with your business.

Our range of professional services ensures we’re constantly thinking of you – offering highlevel strategic guidance, online marketing advice and content management training to make your website more successful.

Ph 415 9301 Web www.website.co.nz

Manpower

Manpower is a global leader in contingent and permanent staffing for organisations of all sizes. Our deep understanding of business needs helps us match the right individual to the job, with better business results for our clients. Manpower

operates in more than 80 countries and is expert in recruitment for Business Support, Customer Service, Contact Centre, Construction, Manufacturing, Mining & Resources, Sales, Trades & labour and Transport & Logistics.

The ManpowerGroup has a suite of services: • ManpowerGroup Solutions provides clients with outsourcing services related to human resources functions, primarily in large-scale recruiting and workforce-intensive initiatives.

• Manpower Professional provides clients with the professional talent they need to grow their business. We provide Professional Talent Resourcing in Information Technology, Finance & Accounting, Engineering, Executive and Healthcare.

• Right Management specialises in talent and career management within ManpowerGroup, helping clients by designing workforce solutions that align talent with business strategy.

Ph 414 1440 Web www.manpower.co.nz

Simpson Western Lawyers We deliver high quality specialist advice and legal solutions that work for you.

Simpson Western is the North Shore’s largest law firm and offers you excellent personal service.

Established almost 30 years ago by Gary Simpson and Chris Western, we can help you with: • Business services • Asset protection, trust formation & administration, wills & estates • Property • Dispute resolution & litigation • Employment law • Immigration law • Relationship property • Lifestyle planning for seniors For legal excellence, exceptional results and a real commitment to personalised service, contact Simpson Western today.

Ph 09 486 3058 Web www.simpsonwestern.co.nz

Thank you…

N

HBA thanks those companies who provided Gold sponsorships through 2012. We appreciate your generous support and the opportunity to work closely with you over the past year. We look forward to continuing our association with you in different ways as the Business Improvement District continues to develop and flourish.

Secom Guardall Secom Guardall is a security installation and monitoring business based in Auckland, with offices in Albany and Wellington. We have an extensive sub-contractor network to ensure comprehensive nationwide coverage.

Secom Guardall is security focused in banking, large retail, commercial, domestic and alarm monitoring/ management. We integrate the best products and services to suit our clients’ needs and we value our suppliers’ certifications and partnerships. Regular staff training ensures we deliver total, professional security support service to our clients.

Ph 444 9513 Web www.secom.co.nz

Coverstaff Recruitment Coverstaff Recruitment North Shore branch provides quality recruitment service for temporary and permanent candidates including industrial and manufacturing sectors, traffic management and roading projects and warehousing. We supply labour at short notice for short and long term assignments and offer a round-the-clock operation 24 hours, seven days a week in conjunction with our South Auckland and West Auckland branches.

All candidates are thoroughly screened including as a minimum a medical declaration, ACC history, Ministry of Justice security check, driver review and the obligatory reference checks. We pride ourselves on delivering the most suitable candidates to meet your recruiting needs.

Ph 415 7160 www.coverstaffrecruitment.co.nz

North Shore Golf Club The North Shore Golf Club is on the upper fringes of the Waitemata Harbour, adjacent to the developing Albany area. This course includes 27 tree-lined holes that offer players three different 18-hole layouts: Red, Blue and Gold. These run over undulating terrain and demand good course management from players of all levels. The club has rural views over the scenic Lucas Creek escarpment.

Ph 415 9924 Web www.northshoregolfclub.co.nz www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 25

business & pleasure

New associate members Welcome to our associate members who have joined us since the previous issue of FYI magazine.

Bullôt & Rankine Ltd, chartered accountants

mend your products and services.

BoB is represented in UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand and India.

Bullôt & Rankine offers clients their personal Number Guru.

Their job is to take your accounting problems away, allowing you to get on what you do best in your business.

You will receive personalised, expert service from your Number Guru.

Call us to discuss how you can experience this service at a fixed monthly cost, without having to bother about the ticking meter.

Please contact us and ask to talk with Bruce Rankine.

IGLU Online Business Solutions

Ph 09 477 3081 Web www.b-r.co.nz

Business over Breakfast (BoB) clubs The best business is referred business – that’s why our international Business over Breakfast (BoB) clubs work for our members.

When you join BoB, you secure an exclusive place at your chosen BoB Club and block out the competition, giving you the best chance of gaining referrals.

Our fortnightly meetings provide the platform to network in a professionally structured, relaxed environment. Our members constantly refer business to each other; that’s up to 35 members promoting your products and services by word-of-mouth.

Every member has up to 90 seconds to do a quick presentation about their business. Every two weeks, one member gives a 10-minute presentation.

BoB club members get to know each other so they can recom-

26 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

Ph 09 889 3884 Web www.bobclubs.co.nz

We specialise in creating websites specifically for your business. We won’t try to force you into a pre-made template or give you a website that looks like anyone else’s. ln retail, we can set up an online shop so you can process credit card transactions, offer discounts and promote your products online. Your website can link to your Iglu Point-of-Sale system, so your vital business data is readily available. lglu offers client relationship management facilities, newsletters and news desk facilities to keep your clients updated with latest products and deals.

Operating a bar or restaurant?

We can organise an online system that allows your customers to make bookings from anywhere.

Freephone: 0800 00 88 44 Web www.iglusolutions.com

Tooley & Associates Our sales training is guaranteed to deliver value because we customise the content to individuals, focusing on your organisation’s needs, providing tools to assist implementation and measure changes. We focus on little and often; ie, practical, customised mini workshops over time to allow managers and staff to absorb and implement change. Between

Find out the benefits of becoming an Associate member by simply talking to Cheriette Ede on 09 968 2222, or emailing admin@nhba.org.nz.

workshops we assist the manager with coaching.

Paul Tooley facilitates all sales training and workshops. Over 25 years he has increased the profitable sales of companies in New Zealand and Australia.

All training material is personalised for your organisation so it is fully relevant. Attendees leave our workshops with the tools to make changes immediately to increase strike rates, and the confidence to break through the ‘no thanks’ barrier.

Tooley & Associates works on two concepts: ‘If nothing changes… nothing changes’ and ‘What gets measured, gets done.’

Ph 09 427 9223 Web www.tooley.co.nz

Snowplanet

Snowplanet is New Zealand’s only all-year indoor snow resort where snow guests can experience the thrill of snow sports and the atmosphere of a snow village only 20 minutes north of Auckland.

At Snowplanet visitors can ski, snowboard, tube, toboggan and dine at our world class facility.

Our slope is 200m long and includes a terrain park with jumps and rails plus a ski line and beginners’ area.

Additional services include rental equipment and clothing, instruction, coaching and the Snowplanet Restaurant & Bar. Snowplanet is ideal for family, work mates and school outings.

Snowplanet is open every day.

Life’s more fun on Snowplanet.

Ph 09 427 0044 Web www.snowplanet.co.nz

Greg Bateman business coach Our four-step process helps owners maximise the value of

their business for sale in a fourstep process.

Determine the Best Succession Plan: the owner’s Exit Strategy, what they want from selling the business and the identification of the Key Value Levers in which change can significantly increase the value of the business.

Business Renovation Program: we help the owner to implement changes to the Key Value Levers which speeds up the transition, so the cash flow benefits happen faster than they would through a gradual implementation.

Lock In the Value: the Growth Mode is all about building the credibility of the business which in turn increases its value. We also work with the owner to position the business for its Exit Strategy.

Exit Strategy: this includes approaching appropriate suitors; marketing documentation and optimal funding arrangements; structuring a management Buy Out; or Operate the Business under Management.

Ph 09 476 1572 Web www.oconnorbateman.co.nz

Insight Consultancy Insight Consultancy specialises in advertising & marketing, media planning & placement and print management solutions.

Insight Consultancy provides advice on strategic marketing and advertising initiatives, through researching consumer segmentation, marketplace opportunities and growth strategy.

We offer media buying services across TV, print, radio and digital; providing direction in media planning to deliver efficient, effective media presence.

Insight Consultancy also offers innovative print, signage and

business & pleasure

display for all indoor and outdoor requirements including business cards, flyers, catalogues and point of sale.

We take time to understand what makes your business tick, your target market, competitor activity and what you want to achieve, so we can provide signage that best represents your company in the marketplace.

Ph 021 583 495 www.insightconsultancy.co.nz

Clendons North Shore, barristers and solicitors

The centre of our focus is you, our client.

Our lawyers have the necessary qualifications to provide specialist advice to our clients. We have invested in our computer systems and training of our staff to: • Ensure quick and accurate creation of documents.

• Use electronic mail to keep each other informed and to ensure that instructions are clearly documented and communicated.

• Use graphics and spreadsheets to reduce the length and improve the accuracy and readability of documents.

• Use our electronic library of precedents and other electronic research material to provide faster and more in-depth research.

• Conduct legal research on-line to ensure information is up-to-date and gathered in a timely manner.

• Use our special propriety software to generate new trade and product names.

All of our lawyers have double degrees.

Clients also have the assurance that, regardless of who is assigned to their business, a principal is available to them at any time during any project.

Ph 09 377 8419 Web www.clendons.co.nz

Quality Hotel Lincoln Green Located in the heart of West Auckland, Quality Hotel Lincoln Green provides quick and easy access to Auckland’s central business district and is close to local wineries, bush walks, Waitakere ranges, the Trusts Stadium and beautiful west coast beaches.

Our 70 accommodation rooms cover Standard, Superior or Premium rooms to suit all travellers from business to leisure guests.

With a versatile conference centre, Icon Restaurant & Bar159 onsite we truly are a comprehensive venue.

Ph 09 838 7006 Web www.lincolngreen.co.nz

Allied Fastenings Ltd Allied Fastenings Ltd sources and imports hardware fastenings, using its excellent overseas contacts to develop and supply to our clients’ requirements.

Winners of the North Shore Enterprise and Westpac Bank Best new Business Start Up Award in 2005 and was commended in the Service Delivery Awards.

Allied Fastenings Limited is a family owned business which has been supplying nuts and bolts, washers, threaded rod and general fastenings in galvanised and stainless steel to power utilities, construction and engineering companies since 2005.

We visit principal supplier factories overseas at least once a year to ensure a high quality of product is imported into New Zealand.

Ph 09 444 0909 Web www.alliedfastenings.co.nz

The Security Company The Security Company is an independent, owner-operated, security company that offers tailored security packages for your business or premises.

We take a proactive and partnering approach, working with you to ensure all your security needs are met. We offer a range of security services and security technologies and then design the right security solution for your business and budget.

Our team is professional, proactive and responsive – ready to act, when you are.

Call us for a free appraisal of your current security. If we can’t better it, we’ll tell you – that’s peace of mind for free.

Your security is our priority.

Ph 09 478 8567 Web www.securityco.co.nz

NHBA Wine Club Here are the latest fantastic wine deals for NHBA members and staff, available only at Wine and More.

Red Metal Hawkes Bay Rose 2011 This Rose is one of the best made in the Hawkes Bay, a predominately Merlot based wine with a beautiful salmon pink colour.

NHBA Wine Club price $13.50 Greystone Waipara Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Light straw in colour the wine moves towards a rich nose of fresh yet restrained tropical aromatics, underpinned by subtle complexity. A weighty pallet full of ripe guava and melon with an energetic streak of citrus-like acidity is perfect for those looking for an attractive alternative to ‘everyday’ Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy chilled with light meats and fresh summer salads.

NHBA Wine Club price $15.00 Awa Valley Kumeu Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 Attention oaky Chardonnay fans, this one’s for you! Established in 1970, Awa Valley initially started supplying grapes to Kumeu River, before producing wine under their own label. The Chardonnay grapes for this wine come from a single vineyard, with vines 20 years old! Twelve months in American oak has given an obvious oaky, vanilla-like character to the wine, with some lovely white peach and citrus notes that follow through on the palate.

NHBA Wine Club price $11.99 Johner Gladstone Pinot Noir 2010 It shows intense blueberry and cherry fruit with well balanced spiciness. Deep red colour with underlining red fruit flavours. This complex wine has an excellent ripe tannin structure and lingering finish.

NHBA Wine Club Price $25.00 Mixed cases are available. Please email orders to david@wineandmore.co.nz, and mention the NHBA Wine Club. Free delivery to any NHBA business or staff member, or your order can be collected from Wine and More at Rosedale Mews, corner Rosedale Rd and William Pickering Drive. www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 27

Event sponsor

Catching the UFB fast train

U

ltra-Fast Broadband (UFB) is the largest IT revolution since the introduction of the smart phone and tablet devices – that was the message served by Mi IT company director Robert Elcombe when he spoke at the NHBA breakfast meeting on 14 November.

And his advice was: sign up early for UFB because once it catches on, installers will be unable to keep up with demand. Companies who come in late will risk facing a long wait for the faster internet service.

Mi IT (pronounced “My I.T”) offers unbiased computer advice on future IT developments and new technologies. The service is free and allows small to medium businesses to benefit from complex computer concepts without investing in expensive infrastructure or making expensive mistakes. It researches UFB providers and evaluates their levels of service.

Mr Elcombe says Ultra-Fast Broadband is the glue that holds Mi IT services together.

“Sure, the services have been working on ADSL [Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line – high speed broadband through normal telephone lines] but on UFB they truly fly on latest UFB cloud technologies.”

28 february 2013 FYI www.nhba.org.nz

Although ADSL is a huge improvement over dial-up, it still means waiting for a website to load, a file to download or data to upload before moving on to the next task. A file that currently takes 50 minutes to upload with ADSL will take seconds with UFB; a website that takes half a minute to download will have the potential to load in only three seconds. The result is a massive increase in internet speeds and therefore in productivity, Mr Elcombe says.

“Sure, the services have been working on ADSL but on UFB they truly fly on latest UFB cloud technologies.”

He stressed the importance of choosing the correct ISP (Internet Service Provider) to ensure a reliable quality of service without spending thousands of dollars every month. He recommended customers sign up with Onefibre.

UFB represents a $1,350,000,000 investment of tax payers’ money by the Government and will bring fibre optics to the door for 75% of the population within 10 years.

“In the very near future, we will demand access to reliable cloud-based services vand UFB is a crucial and critical part of the puzzle,” says Mr Elcombe.

“If your telecoms and Internet bill is in the region of four-hundred dollars per month, UFB and a VoIP solution will, in my experience, cost you no more than you are currently spending.

However it will provide you with a huge increase in capacity and capability representing a lower TCO (total cost of ownership) and providing you a competitive advantage over your competition.”

Mi IT specialises in:

• Managed cloud-based technologies • Hosted VoIP communications (Voice over Internet Protocol – the transmission of voice signals over Internet lines and data networks, allowing users to place phone calls from just about anywhere using a broadband Internet) • Email and hosted exchange solutions • Ultra-Fast Broadband, where available Mi IT (0)9 476 4540 www.miit.co.nz

Business Support

EECA Business – helping businesses to put energy to work

T

he Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) works with New Zealanders at home, at work and on the road to help them make better energy choices.

EECA Business provides independent, authoritative advice, capability and financial assistance to New Zealand businesses so they can boost productivity through energy efficiency, energy-saving technology and renewable energy.

Including transport fuel costs, businesses in New Zealand spend around $8.5 billion each year on energy. EECA Business general manager Ian Niven says estimates show that New Zealand businesses combined could save $1.6 billion of this through improved energy efficiency.

“That’s not small change in anyone’s language,” he says. “We know what matters to a business is a strong, competitive position.

Running a business that is as profitable and productive as it can be is the key to success.”

He says good energy management is right in line with these goals.

“At EECA Business, we work with businesses to help them make the most of their energy-related opportunities.”

Depending on business sector and size, EECA Business offers funding, training and clear, comprehensive information that makes starting and building on a successful energy management programme that bit easier.

Investing time and dollars in improving the way a business uses energy is one of the easiest and most economical ways of raising productivity.

Improving energy efficiency is a low-risk investment with savings that go straight to a company’s bottom-line but the benefits don’t end there. Energy efficiency delivers for businesses on many levels.

“For example, heavy vehicle fleets that undertake a fuel efficiency programme can save tens of thousands in diesel costs every year.

Efficient driving means lower fuel and maintenance bills for trucking companies while their drivers have fewer accidents and are safer on the road,” says Mr Niven.

Depending on business sector and size, EECA Business offers funding, training and clear, comprehensive information that makes starting and building on a successful energy management programme that bit easier.

For businesses who are considering investing in better efficiency, EECA Business offers grants to help make the decision to invest easier.

“Cost savings generated through energy efficiency can be invested in other areas like new plant, equipment or product development,” Mr Niven says.

EECA Business offers grants that part-fund energy efficiency projects across a wide range of sectors from heavy industry through to commercial buildings and agriculture.

“We are particularly interested in projects that can deliver significant energy savings and

reduce carbon emissions, including renewable and bio-energy projects.

“Through these projects, EECA Business aims to make good energy management a permanent feature of the organisations and sectors it helps, so they can continue to reap the benefits as part of business as usual.”

No matter what business a company is in, EECA Business can help it make the most of the energy it uses.

“From efficient lighting, to well-maintained industrial plant and getting staff on-board, you might be surprised at how many ways you can save energy and reduce costs,” he says.

Businesses in the North Shore who would like to take advantage of benefits in energy efficiency can sign up to the Employers and Manufacturers’ Association Northern’s EcoSmart Business programme.

Supported by EECA Business and Auckland Council, the programme breaks environmental management into relevant, achievable tasks with smart web-based tools.

Participating companies go through an energy assessment which helps identify actions to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and leads to an EcoSmart warranty or ISO 14001 accreditation.

For more information on the ECOSmart Business Programme visit www.ecosmartbusiness.co.nz To find out more about EECA Business visit www.eecabusiness.govt.nz, email business@eeca.govt.nz or follow @EECAbusiness on Twitter. www.nhba.org.nz FYI february 2013 29

Property

Property trends in North Harbour

T

he outlook is positive for businesses on the North Shore in 2013.

In the first quarter of 2012 office vacancy tightened considerably, dropping more than 3% to 9.2% in the year to March. Historically this was the lowest vacancy since 2008.

The North Harbour area sits at 10.9% and the North Shore at 9.7% overall.

The last quarter of the year shows vacant office stock at approximately 5,000m2 of B and C grade office in North Harbour.

Vacancy in the Industrial sector continues to drop, now at an overall 3.2%, the lowest Colliers has recorded since 2004.

Developers such as Goodman Group, Northbridge Properties and Haydn & Rollett are actively seeking tenants and owneroccupiers to design and build. They have recognised the strong demand for prime office space and larger floor plates. Companies are expanding, planning ahead and committing to longer leases.

The Australian-based Goodman Group has begun promoting its Orchard Park development of 12.1ha at the southern end of the Albany City land. Their plans are for office buildings and light commercial, along with a retail complex running down to the Albany Expressway.

The land is now freehold so there are opportunities for sale and for lease.

There has been a surge of occupier demand due to low interest rates with sales at 3/6 Omega Street, 106K Bush Road, B1 and 29 Omega Street, formerly the Club Physical building.

A new office design build commences early in 2013 for Waitemata Health at 96 Apollo Drive; Dove Medical Press has relocated to 44 Corinthian Drive, and Bartercard will move to 61 Constellation Drive.

Rentals in the area for B and C office space range from $170 psm to $220 psm.

There has been a significant demand in the investment market. Investors are seeking good quality stock and yields have been dropping due to the demand. It is hard to find good quality industrial investments offering more than an 8% initial yield on the North Shore or in any good quality precinct in Auckland.

Recent sales in the area have been 11A Paul Matthews tenanted by Johnson Controls sold at 7.14%, 3L Henry Rose at 7.45% and 3A Miro Place at 7.6% yield.

The outlook for the new year is certainly promising for the business community on the North Shore, with plenty of confidence and new activity.

By Janet Marshall Manager, Commercial Colliers International North Shore Mobile 021 684 775 Email janet.marshall@colliers.com

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT IN ALBANY OfďŹ ce space to rent in the

Actionmail building - 11 Saturn Place, Albany.

Upstairs, private office space is available now.

Contact Raben on 09 415 4508 today, this will go quickly!

SEARCHING FOR THAT BUSINESS EDGE? Now is the time to find yours Starts 21 March 2013 www.business-edge.co.nz