Business Advocate July 2014

Proudly brought to you by the Northern Advocate

July 2014

Businesses on the move - Alzheimers Northland celebrate the opening of their new residential facility Enter your businesses in the Westpac Business Excellence awards Robinson Asphalts win awards

INVEST IN YOURSELF - study business at NorthTec Business qualifications are in high demand and can lead you to just about any career.

NorthTec offers a wide range of business courses with flexible study options and courses at sites across Northland.

Our learning pathways can take you from entry-level courses to a diploma or a degree. The degree programme includes a major in accounting and new majors in project management and business transformation & change. You can fit study around your work with a number of evening classes and some papers offered online.

Enrol now for Semester 2 starting 21 July

For more information: 0800 162 100 •your www.northtec.ac.nz Tou iwi, tou wananga people, place • Your

Page 2

10th July, 2014

Introducing Avatar Resurfacing Weekend Workshop, Whangarei

R

esurfacing is offered in a 2-day workshop that contains information, demonstrations, and experiential exercises to awaken you to the possibility of living deliberately.

It is a process of you finding out about you. The rewards are new realizations about how your life works—or why it doesn’t. You will discover new viewpoints that will broaden your perspective of life.

As you proceed you will become aware of your own creative power.

Start to dissolve your personal limitations, begin to realize your full potential, experience yourself and really start to feel your way through life!

July Sat 19th & Sun 20th Location, Whangarei www.avatarpacific.com

Contents Page 2

• Introducing New Business

Page 3

• Tips for Choosing the Right Franchise Business

Page 4

• Alzheimers Northland on the Move

Page 5

• Hatchback Haven Move to New Premises

Page 6

• Selling Your Business with LINK Northland

Page 7

• Celebrate Your Business Innovation with Innovate Northland

ACN

Page 8

A

CN is the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications and essential services. They have been around for 21 years. They are in 23 countries and the 24th country to be launched next week is in Mexico.

People involved in the business are Independent Business Owners (IBO) and they are the “branding and marketing people” for ACN. These IBO’s have their own online shop where their identifications are populated so that customers can sign up knowing their server will look after them – unlike

other big telecommunications providers, where they are on their own without the personal customer service.

Each of the IBO’s are given extensive training through various ways of communications, from Webinars to IBO’s online back office or a simple phone call to ACN for guidance.

The telecommunications plans are very competive and right now ACN has three excellent deals from $75 with 35gb data and $95 for 150gb data, through to a whopping 500gb for only $109! www.angus.acndirect.com

Empire Cafe

E

mpire Café is the newest cafe in Whangarei, offering an international style to the fine people of Whangarei. We only use the finest ingredient’s at affordable prices. With qualified Chefs from Whangarei and abroad we strive to exceed your expectations. Open 7 days a week and very soon opening at nights, we will be taking the evening dinning experience to a whole new level. We look forward to seeing you all real soon.

For further enquiries or bookings contact Mark 09 459 7389.

Empire Café have a fantastic new menu.

Before you take on the world, you need to master your own mind.

Allow yourself the gift of universal perspective. Wisdom will appear and your actions will be motivated by an The Avatar° Course is a set of practical, effective intuitive, spontaneous, benevolent tools that allows people, in a very short time, to identify intent. There is no regret. Do useful and change the conclusions, decisions, and agreements things. Help others for the delight that are shaping their lives. of helping others. Concentrate on They set new goals or revive old ones, and using their adding value to the world rather than rediscovered powers, create opportunities, motivation, consuming the world.“ and the courage to pursue dreams.

- Harry Palmer, author of the But there is more to Avatar than personal development... Avatar materials Introduction Weekend

Avatar Resurfacing

July Sat 19th & Sun 20th Red Cross Conference Room, 59A Bank Street Whangarei

Info Hour’s available, Fri 18th 6 - 8pm Call Antonia for more information 021 02538970

Avatar is a registered Trademark of Star’s Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.TheAvatarCoursePacific.com

• Entering the Wespac Business Excellence Awards gives you Insight into your Business

Page 10

• You Can Study Business at NorthTec

Page 10

• Recruit the Best with Adecco

Page 11

• NorthTec Profile Ingrid Wahrlich, Business Administration Tutor

Page 12

• Robinson Asphalts Celebrate Winning at the Northland Construction Awards Cover image: Kevin Salmon, General Manager Alzheimers Northland outside their new residential facility in Corks Road.

Page 3

10th July, 2014

Tips for choosing the right franchise Do some research Find out all you can about franchising. Read magazines like Franchise New Zealand. You can order a free copy at the Franchise New Zealand website, or pick one up at any Westpac branch. Look for opportunities that grab your interest.

Make a list.

Get information from the Franchise Association of New Zealand, legal or accounting firms that specialise in franchising, or a bank that understands franchising, like Westpac.

Choose an industry Choose an industry that interests you and that you’d enjoy working in.

Keep your options open - don’t limit yourself too much. In our experience 70% of franchisees don’t have direct previous experience in the industry they choose. And the franchisor should make it clear what actual skills you need.

Once you have an idea of what you’re interested in - ask yourself some questions...

• Is there a real need for this product or service and how stable is that need?

• How big is the market, and is it growing?

• How much competition is there, how good are they, and how long have they been in business?

• Is the franchise part of an international operation?

• Are there several franchises in the industry to choose from? It’s better to have a choice. What’s the same, and what’s different about them?

Choose a franchise There are a lot of different franchise opportunities. Once you’ve decided on an industry that interests you, it’s time to look at all your options.

Contact the franchisors Get their information packs, and take a look at their website. Have a good read, and make a note of your impressions and your questions on details like...

• The company’s history • Its products and services, and the market for these • The role of the franchisor - what will they do to help?

• Costs - both initial and ongoing.

Meet a few franchisors Select a few franchises you are interested in finding out more about - perhaps three. Organise an appointment with each franchisor and when you meet them, get as much information as you can to make an informed decision. Also think about whether you like them, and whether you’d fit with the company.

To help you, the Westpac franchise team can provide you with a list of questions to ask yourself, and a list of questions to ask the franchisor.

Double check what you’ve been told Check the franchise’s company records...

• Contact the Companies Office and look at the company’s details, including shareholders and directors.

• Ask your lawyer to check if there are any legal actions pending against the company.

• Get a list of credit references and check carefully. You may also want to run a credit search through a credit agency.

• Get references from existing franchisees - is it what they expected? What do they/ customers think?

• Does the franchise system follow the Franchise Association’s Code of Ethics? Find out more about the Code of Practice...

Bring in the professionals If you’re still keen to proceed, it’s time to involve a good franchise accountant, lawyer, and bank.

They can give you independent, professional advice before you commit yourself.

The accountant can help with preparing a business plan and financial projections.

Talk to a bank experienced with franchising about finance options for your new venture.

And consult your lawyer once you receive the franchise agreement. It is critically important you understand what it says and what it requires of you before you sign.

We can help with more information on the things you should do at this stage, and once you’ve signed up and are preparing for business. And it’s no obligation - we want to talk to you no matter where you currently bank.

About the Author Daniel Cloete is the National Franchising manager for Westpac.

He and the Westpac Franchise Team can be contacted on Email: franchising@westpac.co.nz and is available on 0800 177 007 The views and opinions expressed in this article is a summary only, belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Westpac. Always make use of professional legal, accounting and other advice when considering buying a franchise or setting up a franchise system.

A T E G N A C S S E N I S U H B T Y I N W A E W T I O S N B E W * FREE

To get started or find out more, visit GetOnline.co.nz now

Terms and conditions apply. See www.getonline.co.nz for more information.

Westpac New Zealand Limited in association with MYOB NZ Limited. *Free for the first 12 months JN9843

Page 4

10th July, 2014

Alzheimers Northland on the Move

S

ome two years ago the Board of Alzheimers Northland made the decision to seek the funds to build a new facility suitable to for the next 20 years. Applications were made to all of the main community funders and one by one they were all declined.

In 2013, Alzheimers Northland were very fortunate to receive three separate bequests from Northlanders almost covering the entire building cost of a new facility; although these individuals wanted to remain anonymous, we are eternally grateful to them for such a wonderful gift not only to Alzheimers Northland, but to Northlanders whom may be in need of the services.

Finding a suitable site then became a priority and after brief talks with the Tikipunga Children’s Home Trust a 3,000 sqm site was secured next to the old orphanage on Corks Road. Plans were drawn up based on numerous reports and publications from around the world looking at the best model for Northland, a price was then agreed and contracts signed.

Building commenced the end of November 2013 and continued over the following 7 months. With assistance from the committed team at Homeworld and between the excellent builder and amazing construction manager, we are 3 weeks ahead of schedule and more importantly on budget.

The project hasn’t been without its challenges and “special requests” but all have been tackled with a willingness to help, which has made the process very rewarding. The uniqueness of some our requests have raised some eyebrows, but they have also endorsed for us at Alzheimers Northland, that there are things that can be done to make life easier for somebody with dementia, such as colour, lighting and textures just to name a few.

With a moving in date set for the 5th July, staff and carers will be able to make full use of the building, from our day respite programs to our carer support groups, all will operate out of the new Corks Road building.

Although the inside will be fully functioning, I think the outside may take a bit longer. But with several

working bees and promises from local Rotary Clubs in the region to help, the landscaping will start taking shape soon enough.

The formal opening of the building will be on Friday 12th September, with local dignitaries, iwi and DHB representatives attending, along with past committee members and staff.

But more importantly, we will have the many supporters the Society has had since it started nearly 20 years ago, join us in the celebrations.

Alzheimer’s Northland, like so many other not for profit organisations in our region, continuously struggles to find enough funds to carry on the work that people so desperately need.

In our case, the fantastic legacy left by three Northlanders and the hard work of numerous committees and individuals, have put us in the position of having a world class facility in Whangarei available free for its citizens.

The Alzheimer’s Society is looking forward to meeting the challenges it will face over the next 20 years with the number of people diagnosed with dementia due to double over that period of time.

A new building won’t stop the disease, but it will always be there to support and assist Northlanders who need our help.

For any enquiries you can contact us at…

Alzheimers Society Northland Inc 148 Corks Road, Tikipunga P O Box 1179 Whangarei Phone 09 4387771 Fax 09 4382974 Toll Free 0800 004 001 northland@alzheimers.org.nz

“Proud to be supporting “No Job Too Small” Alzheimers Northland“

Best Quality Quality and and Service Service Best

Certified Concretefor for• •Driveways Driveways• •Footpaths Footpathsand and Curbing Certified fi fied Concrete Curbing • Floors and Yards • Coloured Concrete • Floors and Yards • Coloured Concrete

“For All Your Your Concrete ConcreteRequirements” Requirements” “For All Ph 4355044 5044 Ph 435 info@virginconcrete.co.nz vircon@xtra.co.nz

Kevin Salmon and Anne Wilson celebrate the new residentail facility in Corks Road

Page 5

10th July, 2014

Business on the Move

HATCHBACK HAVEN move to 33 Port Road

Hatchback Haven is a Limited Liability Company 100% locally owned by husband and wife team John and Helen Chave-Stowers.

Hatchback Haven Ltd opened in January 2013 and was previously situated at 54 Port Road, opposite 10 pin bowling. Their opening also coincided with the opening of the new bridge, which saw a number of changes in the Port Road area.

“We are now located at 33 Port Road, opposite the Countdown entrance and the Okara Park shopping centre. This location is better suited to our business, allowing for our growth and the opportunity to be more highly visible. We wanted to make a fresh impact on our niche market. ” say owners John and Helen.

“The move has been a positive move for us due to the increase in our advertising genres, and combined with our new easy access facility which gives the public of Whangarei the opportunity to browse our stock at their leisure.

“Our staff at Hatchback Haven have seen this as a positive move forward in the development of our company, and their feedback is that they ‘love it’. We have warmly welcomed our new salesperson Tony Cameron from the first day

of the change of locations” say the owners.

This strategic change has allowed John and Helen more time to concentrate on other aspects of growing their business.

“There are many opportunities presented to us in everyday life and being in business especially in a smaller city, we needed to be proactive and either take or create opportunities as they arise”.

The decision to change their location was a progressive one, as John and Helen constantly strive to present their stock at the highest possible standard. This goes hand in hand with moving to a highly visible location with the potential for more foot traffic.

John and Helen have noticed a steady increase in inquiries, which of course equates to more sales revenue. “There are no secrets to how we achieve our sales only to always keep things real, and be genuine. Location is very important and we believe we have got it right”.

You can contact us at 33 Port Road, Whangarei.

HATCHBACK HAVEN LTD Used Hatchbac

k Sales Specialist

2005 NISSAN NOTE

1.5L, L, Auto, CVT , ABS, BS Dual Airbags, Airbags Mod Kms, Monsoon Weather Shields. (6 in stock)

FROM

H

atchback Haven is a business that has had a presence in Whangarei for just over 12 months. Since that time , they have established themselves in the niche Hatchback market, and have moved to larger and independent premises.

$8,995 $ 8 99

$61/week

2009 MITSUBISHI COLT

.3L CVT Auto, 1.3L ABS, Chain Drive, Rear Tints.

$10,995 $ 10

$75/week

2009 HONDA FIT

2005 TOYOTA RACTIS

1.5ltr, alloys, parcel tray, fender marker, ABS, Climate Control.

(5 to choose from).

$9,995

$68/week

2007 MAZDA VERISA

1.5L, Proximity Smart Key, Alloys, ABS, 5 Star Fuel Rating.

$11,995

$81/week

2009 SUZUKI SWIFT

Phone 09 438 5196 or mobile John 027 476 9323 or Helen 021 2685311 Check out our website www. hatchbackhaven.co.nz. Or email us at hatchbackhaven@ gmail.com

1.3,, Auto, 5.5 Star el Econ, ABS, Fuel i Driven Di Chain

$12,995 $ 12 99

32,000kms, 000kms, Auto, Bodyy Kit, Kit Alloys, Alloys ABS, ABS Chain Drive..

$12,995 $

*Weekly payments based on 20% deposit over a 36 month term ”normal lending criteria applies”

Ph

09 438 5196 | 33 Port Rd, Whangarei www.hatchbackhaven.co.nz

Page 6

10th July, 2014

Selling your business with LINK Northland

F

or many business owners, selling up represents the culmination of years of personal effort and commitment, rewarded by the freedom that financial gains can yield. For others, it’s a time when opportunities have been maximised in one area and new challenges beckon. When it’s time to sell, there are some important aspects to consider in the process and some of the most important are as follows: Preparation for sale • Ask your LINK Business Broker to provide a preliminary business valuation and to advise on any aspects that may need to be improved before sale. Plan ahead, ideally 18 to 24 months prior to going to market.

• Have clear organised records on hand. These will be required by a purchasers advisors and may cover leases, employment records and policies, customer and supplier agreements, insurance policies, independent contractors and perhaps a great deal more including accounting records.

• Accounting records should represent business earnings before proprietor’s income, tax and depreciation. Your Accountant will be able to assist with this. A minimum of three years profit and loss accounts will be required to assess a business’s past performance.

• Be diligent about processing all revenues through the business and managing costs as efficiently as possible.

Profitability will affect the value of the business and if

Jenny Blain

• Tangible Assets. Plant and Equipment, fixtures & fittings.

These revenue generating assets are normally valued according to their depreciated book value.

• Stock. Valuation is normally at historical cost value to the business.

Business valuation There are several established methods of valuing and appraising a business that your LINK business broker may use. Valuation will be affected by the size of the business, its turnover & profitability and the industry that it operates in.

• Industry Ratios. A business is valued on its sales record compared with industry averages.

• Asset Based The value of both tangible and intangible assets is used to determine the business valuation.

• Earnings based Emphasis is on earnings rather than assets so an appraisal may be calculated on return on investment (ROI) or through the application of an earnings based multiple.

• Market based. An agreed price based on what his acceptable to a willing seller and buyer.

Presenting the business for sale • Your LINK business broker will create an Information Memorandum (and relevant appendices) for the business which will provide a detailed overview of the business.

As well as discussing the business and its benefits it will also be necessary to

Graham Mitchell

a buyer requires borrowing to purchase your business, a lending institution will be interested as much in past performance as it is in its future potential.

• A business owner that is critical to the business and carries a lot of knowledge in his head may need to consider preparing a procedures and operations manual that can be passed on to a new owner.

Identifying the components of a business for sale • Intangible Assets. The future earning potential of the business reflective of historical earnings potentially including Intellectual property, rights, relationships (distributor/ customer/employee), going concern and goodwill.

Michael Osborne

disclose information relating to the business that may be detrimental to the ongoing performance or profitability of the business.

• A marketing programme is devised for all businesses that are for sale. This will include a web presence, advertisements, brochures and other relevant communications which may help attract potential buyers in specific market sectors.

• A large database of qualified purchasers seeking businesses in all sectors will automatically receive information on businesses that are registered for sale. LINK business offers monthly e-newsletters which go out to a database of approximately 18,000 people who have signed up to receive these.

Qualifying and working with genuine buyers • Acting as an independent third party your LINK business broker is able to maintain confidentiality until buyers have been qualified.

• Distinguishing legitimate buyers from among the raft of respondents that may include time wasters or even inquisitive competitors requires judgement and background research.

• The independent relationship that your business broker builds with an interested purchaser is an important part of the selling process.

Managing the sale of your business • Selling your business can be a stressful process. It will be a primary objective of your LINK business broker to act as a conduit of information between buyer and seller, thus removing as much of the emotion in buying and selling a business, as possible.

• Purchasers often prefer to work through an independent intermediary as they seek more detailed information to help their decision making and problem solving processes.

• Negotiating a sale price is an important advantage of working with your LINK business broker.

Understanding the negotiating process and what is reasonable is an important asset to a vendor.

• Having worked with your LINK business broker, when

a prospective purchaser has made an acceptable offer for the business, normally subject to due diligence, the key information that a purchasers advisors will need should be at hand and in order.

Settlement and Handover • When a sale and purchase agreement becomes unconditional, the sale proceeds. The transaction will be completed through both parties’ solicitors and a date for settlement will be specified.

• Stock counts and plant and equipment inspections will take place close to settlement date.

• As part of the sale negotiation a vendor may be required to provide assistance in the business to a new owner for a specified period of time.

This is likely to depend on the complexity of the business.

Brokerage Fees • LINK business operates on a success fee basis, which may be a fixed fee or a percentage of the sale price achieved, depending on the value of the business for sale.

• Upfront costs may include a listing fee and an agreed press advertising spend.

Page 7

10th July, 2014

We want to celebrate Northland enterprises

“

NORTHLANDERS

CREATIVE INNOVATIVE

NTREPRENEURIAL

If creativity is a good idea then innovation is putting that good idea to use says” Tony Collins, CEO of the NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland. Within the business world this will generally relate to renewing, changing or creating more effective processes, products or ways of doing things.

While there are many other aspects to a successful business and there is wide range of disciplines required to achieve business excellence, it does not hurt to start with a really good idea. If innovation is an integral part of the business plan and culture, the business owner and their workforce can work together with an expectation that change is part of the environment.

For any number of reasons when businesses have a good idea these may go unnoticed. These reasons could include, the idea may be commercially sensitive, the business may be in the embryonic stage, the owners may be self-deprecating or they may not know what they are doing is even innovative. However everyday in Northland there are people using really good ideas to transform what businesses do and how they do it. Why is this important, because putting a good idea to use can grow businesses, increase household incomes and create employment.

“I am lucky that in my position I get to hear about all sorts of amazing

INNOVATE

NORTHLAND brating a great idea Cele

things that local businesses are doing” says Tony. This year NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland in association with Northland Inc and NorthTec want to acknowledge these good ideas and the innovation associated with them. We want to celebrate Northland enterprises that are changing what products and services they deliver, how it is delivered and to whom. To do this we are seeking community support to identify those businesses in Northland who are doing things a little bit differently. If you know of a business that has a great idea that is adding value to primary produce, doing business not in the usual way or introducing a unique product or service to the market, we would like

you to contact us and let us know who they are.

Let’s celebrate creativity and innovation in business. The stories these businesses can tell can inspire others to develop their good ideas, meet unmet needs and change the perception that many outside our region have of us. More importantly if accompanied by a business friendly environment,

these enterprises would have the potential to transform our business environment, increase our GDP and provide employment opportunities for young Northlanders.

Contact us at info@northchamber.co.nz or phone 09 438 4771

INNOVATE

NORTHLAND rating a great idea Celeb

CALLING FOR GREAT IDEAS NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland in partnership with Northland INC, Plus Chartered Accountants and NorthTec want to recognise those people in Northland using innovation help the region achieve its economic potential.

CATEGORIES • New to Market • Business not as usual • Adding Value to primary industry

VISIT www.northchamber.co.nz for more information and nomination forms Nominations close 11th July 2014

MANY NORTHLAND BUSINESSES ARE DOING GREAT THINGS OR HAVE INNOVATIVE IDEAS

We want to hear about them!

Page 8

T

he 2014 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards will this year unlock the secrets to success for Northland businesses, with entries currently being accepted for all business categories.

Business Excellence Awards are run regionally throughout New Zealand, recognising and celebrating the business success of local companies. For businesses going through the awards process it is a way to identify strengths and challenges that exist and find new ways to deal with them through a renewed focus on their business.

The awards process which this year began in early April, includes a tight judging process, a networking event for entrants, and culminates with a black tie awards presentation and gala dinner evening. Entries are invited from a range of businesses and are classified according to the size of the organisation, from owner operator, through to large businesses with greater than 25 full-time employees. The public also get an opportunity to nominate a retail or service business for the prestigious More FM Customer Choice Award.

The awards presentation and gala dinner is Northland’s leading business event, this year hosted at Forum North on Friday 24th October. The theme is ‘Unlocking the Secrets to Success’ and it promises to deliver an enjoyable evening with exceptional local cuisine and wine, and an array of Northland talent for the evening’s entertainment. Along with the anticipation and excitement of the awards presentations, this event offers plenty of opportunity for networking before, during and after the formalities of the event.

10th July, 2014

Sponsors The NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland wishes to thank Westpac, awards host and major sponsor of the Westpac Northland Business Excellence awards along with all of the media, category and partner sponsors involved in the 2014 awards.

For more information visit the awards website www. northlandbusinessawards.co.nz or contact the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Northland.

Contact: Tony Collins ceo@northchamber.co.nz 027 444 1010 | 09 459 1945

How the Chamber can help How NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland can help your business when entering the 2014 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards.

A

The 2013 Westpac Business Excellence Awards

t NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland, we believe there is no wrong time to enter the awards as businesses are or should be constantly examining how they operate, monitor their results and modify their behaviour accordingly.

Many entrants comment that they are initially quite daunted by the process when they first read the entry form but soon realise that much of what it contains is things that they do and can be easily answered.

Chamber staff will do all they can to demystify the process and the entry form is reviewed annually based on entrant feedback to ensure the language used is simple and jargonfree as possible. We are committed to making it as easy as possible for entrants through individual support and group workshops. During these workshops or at one-on-one meetings Chamber staff will explain what is required from the evaluators and then offer ongoing support and feedback.

If anyone wishes to know more about the awards or the changes we are making this year please feel free to contact our office at info@northchamber.co.nz or visit the Awards website www. northlandbusinessawards.co.nz.

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

If you have a small, medium or large business and want to differentiate your business from your competitors and highlight your success to clients, suppliers, and your team, then the 2014 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards are for you.

IT’S FREE

TO ENTER AND

YOU DON’T

NEED TO BE A

CHAMBER

MEMBER

“Complete outsiders look at the business and value what you are doing. That’s been a great acknowledgement for us. It shows that we are on the right path and it’s given us a greater level of confidence.”

Jules Smith, Owner, WashBar Ltd.

Unlock the secrets to your success by visiting www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz for entry & workshop details

Page 9

10th July, 2014

Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards

Ten top tips for entering the 2014 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards

Supreme Award Winner 2013, Far North Fuels

I

Terry Sage, Business Coaching NZ

1. Before thinking of entering, ask yourself if your business meets the following 5 points: • Does it have a plan • Does it have good leadership • Is it sustainable into the future • Does it have a great work culture • Do you want to better the business.

If you can answer yes to all of them then you are in. Five nods and there is no turning back.

2. Attend an awards work shop, this will give you a great insight into what is needed and dispels any fears you might have (contact the Chamber or visit the awards website for dates).

3. Read all the awards material supplied by NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland before you tap the first key on the key board, especially the awards guide lines.

4. When answering the questions always keep in mind they are generic questions for businesses ranging from 1 employee to 300+, from $50k turn over to $50 million+; so answer them in a manor that relates to your business and not what you think the judges should be hearing.

5. Read the questions carefully, very carefully. Make sure the answer you give is what is being asked for.

6. If you find yourself repeating yourself in different questions don’t worry about it, as long as the answer you are giving answers the question.

7. Make sure there is an evidence trail to your answer, if you say you have a policy or system or document make sure you have it, and it is easy to grab.

8. Less is more, in the written entry form use bullet points, graphs and tables. It says 1000 words per section but that is not a target, however if your count is 1047 don’t stress or cross out all the small one and two letter words, nobody is going to sit and count

Tony Collins-CEO New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Northland the words. However, they might if the count sits at 1789 per section.

9. Use the judge’s visit as the best way to get your message across, make a list of all the major points you want to tell them so as not to miss anything. For many of us showing and talking is much easier than writing.

10. This may sound strange or even a little fraudulent but no, it’s the essence of the awards process. If you read a question and then say “we don’t do that” or “we don’t have one of those”, then start doing it or put it into play now.

The judges will see that it’s new but it’s not all about the points or winning its more about taking your business from where it is now and making it better.

f anyone understands the process the 2014 entrants of the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards will undergo, it is last year’s Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth Excellence in Business Small Business Award winner and overall Westpac Supreme Award winner – Far North Fuels.

Far North Fuels began in 2003 providing discount fuels to businesses in Northland and experienced rapid growth to where they are today encompassing the entire country. The 2013 Westpac Business Excellence Awards judges said “Far North Fuels have identified a sliver of a niche and exploited it really well, creating an opportunity to create excellent profits driven by a strong turnover. They are committed to the smart use of technology, which has enabled them

to maximize profits in a low margin, high volume business.”

Director and General Manager of Far North Fuels Margaret Ware highly recommends businesses entering the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards.

Margaret says “The awards process takes the owner out from working in the business and gets them to look at the business from another viewpoint.” While Margaret admits it can be a bit daunting when you look at what’s required she says “if you have the processes and procedures in place, the management reporting, those systems that the business model refers to, it’s not a difficult process to go through to enter the awards.” Margaret goes on to say “the constructive feedback the judges provide helps with the business moving forward.”

So if you don’t do or have something now but tomorrow you do or have it, then your business will be better for it. That’s the essence of the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards; to grow and improve Northland businesses and if you get to stand on a stage and thank a few people then it’s a bonus and a great reason for another glass of bubbly!

The 2013 Westpac Business Excellence Awards

Thanks to the 2014 sponsors

Far North District Council

EVENTS . HOSPITALITY . TOURISM

Page 10

10th July, 2014

Study Business at NorthTec Prepare for Business Growth As business gathers momentum again, new opportunities are emerging in the world of commerce.

Studying business at NorthTec is great preparation for this fresh era and Semester 2 starts 21 July.

NorthTec offers flexi-study options at degree, diploma, and certificate level, either full or part time, with some courses available online and in the evenings.

Strong link with local business community Business Programme Leader, Rob Meadows, says that tutor collaboration with the Northland business community ensures NorthTec students are ready to step into the work environment when they graduate. “Our tutors are mostly part-time employees who also run successful organisations. They know first-hand what their students will encounter when they enter the workforce, and therefore are able to prepare them for the challenges ahead.”

From certificates to diplomas to degrees Our certificate courses can teach you skills in business administration and computing as well as upskilling people who have recently taken on supervisory roles at work. We also offer diplomas in management and business, and a three year bachelor’s degree in applied management.

New majors in applied management degree Rob Meadows is noticing a lot of interest already in the two new majors of project management, and business transition and change offered as part of the degree programme. “A broad range of occupations including banking, IT, government and manufacturing all require project planning expertise as well as management skills, to ensure projects are completed successfully on time and within budget. Students can now specialise in project management and develop a career in this highly sought-after profession. The other new major is business transformation and change which covers the specialist skills

needed to plan, lead and manage change within diverse businesses and organizations.”

Graduate study The Bachelor in Applied Management papers can also be studied as part of the graduate diploma course by those who already have a degree qualification. This gives graduates the opportunity to work one-on-one with tutors in a way that would be unheard of in many other tertiary institutes.

For more information see http://www.northtec.ac.nz/ Programmes/Business Online options To enable students to fit study around existing work and family commitments, NorthTec offers online options. The NZIM Diploma in Management is available fully online, and for people working within the health sector, the NZIM Diploma in Practice Management (Health) is also available online.

Fees-free for school leavers Another major benefit of studying at NorthTec is the offer of fees-

free study for the first year of the bachelor’s degree for all secondary school-leavers. For more info on this see www.northtec.ac.nz/ youthscholarship

Phoenix Moyer – Bachelor of Applied Management “I worked briefly in Norway where we delivered a fishing boat out to Mauritius and that experience convinced me to go back to studying. I’ve also worked in IT and management and I found I really enjoy management - hence business study. I am now keen to take the new option of business transformation and change. At first I looked at study in Auckland, but it was way cheaper for me up here and the lifestyle is a lot easier.”

Aaron Hooper - Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) “I’m originally from Taranaki and my family and I moved up here for my work. Up until now, I’ve got by on being street-smart and experienced, but to progress in your career now you need to get some qualifications.

Adecco Personnel Northland A world leader on your doorstep

Professional Recruitment Solutions for your Business • The best permanent or temporary office staff to fit your business needs • Grow your business with people who add value to your organisation

9621406AA

Experts in HR solutions … a world leader on your doorstep Contact us today: Jamie Rosemergy Tel: 09 430 4085 Email: jrosemergy@adecco.co.nz

A

decco Personnel has been operating in Northland since 2007 providing comprehensive HR solutions to local, national and international businesses.

They specialise in temporary and permanent recruitment for the industrial and commercial markets.

On average the local branch employs and assigns roles to over 100 local Northlanders in temporary assignments each and every day.

Globally Adecco is the world’s largest HR solutions company with over 5,500 offices in 60 countries meaning it has the global network and experience to provide only the best tailored solutions for your business. Adecco believes in partnering with business and creating solutions that allow its clients to reach their goals faster.

Even though the company is global it understands the need to have a team of highly trained and skilled local professionals. The team in Northland have over 20 years combined experience in the recruitment and professional services industry. Jamie Rosemergy, Branch Manager, Adecco Northland believes “that the key to having a successful business is great people and that he and his dedicated team have the skills, expertise and talent to advise and appoint personnel by finding the highest calibre candidates for their clients” At Adecco we believe in only sourcing the very best candidates and do so through uncompromised best practice. All candidates are screened to the highest level and are only selected if they meet Adecco’s high compliancy standards. All candidates are thoroughly reference checked and skills assessed and where required Jamie and his team

are trained in NZQA Workplace Drug Screening.

Adecco has tertiary level ACC accreditation and as part of Adecco’s “Safety First” culture they work closely alongside clients and training providers to ensure that they lead the way when it comes to safety in the workplace. This has been recognised buy others and has seen Adecco NZ being appointed to safety committees of its clients and included in national safety forums.

Adecco is no stranger when it comes to awards, having been awarded SEEK SARA “Legend” status in 2012 after they won the Best Large Generalist Category 3 years in a row.

Jamie is proud to work for Adecco as it has a community spirit and responsibility that includes being a partner of the NZ Olympic Committee and Para Olympics NZ. The work the company does with the Special Olympics as well as supporting the Foundation for Youth Development.

In the last two years Adecco globally has seen a need to assist our youth in sourcing employment and has created the “Way to Work” website and its 30,000 permanent employees have hit the streets, colleges and training providers to give our unemployed youth free career advice.

If you’re looking for professional HR solutions don’t be afraid to call Adecco today on 09 4304085 as the friendly team at Adecco Northland are always willing to help. Adecco can be found in the Kowhai Court Building, 27 Rust Ave, Whangarei or you can check them out on the web www.adecco.co.nz or follow them on Facebook twitter or Linked In NZ jobs.

Page 11

10th July, 2014

Study Business at NorthTec continues...

I considered other places to study but in the end it was a no-brainer.

NorthTec provided everything I needed, and because we have a family, staying local made good sense. The course is quite challenging but the tutors are always helpful and with NorthTec’s smaller class sizes you get to interact with tutors oneon-one. There are also other mature students around which makes it easier to fit in.”

means you can come here and feel like yourself. You can bring all of you here. It has a big impact on what happens here.”

Sometimes this also means surprises. “We have had newborns in class here so their Mums can complete their courses. Yes it’s a challenge – but sometimes life is. It’s attitude that matters.”

Another more technical challenge for Ingrid is that so far the course doesn’t stretch to ipads and mobile technology. “I’d like to be able to

get students comfortable with this mobile era. Allied to that I’m currently doing an e-learning certificate to see what we can deliver on-line to students who are more remote or can’t get here. And my dream? ... To be on board a yacht in Spain and be on-line with my students!”

For more information: Freephone: 0800 162 100 Or visit : www.northtec.ac.nz

Join us

at NorthTec

Enrol now for July

CERTIFICATES ' DIPLOMAS ' DEGREES ' GRADUATE DIPLOMAS

“If you want to progress in your career you really need to get some rea qualifications.”

Ingrid Wahrlich, Business Administration tutor at NorthTec

“I

was looking for a gemstone – and I found one in this job. Just seeing the morning mist on the harbour puts a smile on my face, but it’s the people who are the real treasure.

They are individual, creative, strong, and characterful, with a great spirit and great heart. I love empowering them and watching their confidence grow. It’s like nurturing a kauri tree into full life.”

Ingrid is also proud that her courses have a 99-100% retention and completion rate with rollovers onto level 3 and 4. “This is sometimes from people who come 53 kms each way to get here. A few don’t have power at home, let alone a computer, and for some their level 2 certificate is their first ever certificate. It empowers a whole community.”

Ingrid was offered the position of setting up the Business Administration courses in Rawene from a varied background that included 25 years teaching adult personal development programmes.“This was with ‘Wahine Pakere’ – empowering Maori women in business.”

“I don’t see barriers – only opportunities - and as a team we’ll always find a way. The student is the creator. I simply make it work for them. I engage and build relationships first and this includes sharing some of my stories and my goofiness. We all come here as adults.”

Ingrid finds the NorthTec values of caring, excellence, whanau, and sharing match her own personal values. “This

Aaron Hooper, Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting)

NEW MAJORS

BUSINESS

for the bachelors degree

Our learning pathways can take you from entry-level courses to a diploma or a degree. The degree programme includes a major in accounting and new majors in project management and business transformation & change (subject to numbers). The major in accounting is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) for their Chartered Accountant designation, and Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia. The major in project management is aligned with the Project Management Institutes professional qualifications. These internationally recognised qualifications will open doors for you to work around the world.

Qualification

Level

Location

Delivery

Length

Cost (approx.) incl.GST

National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 3)

3

Whangarei and other locations subject to demand

Full time/Part time (block courses)

3 months (Full programme)

$894.59

NZIM Diploma in Management

5

Whangarei, Kerikeri, Online

Part time/Online

1 year full time

$ 5,240.82

NZIM Diploma in Practice Management (Health) (Level 5)

5

Whangarei, Online

Part time/Online

1 year full time

$6,114.27 or $873.47 per paper

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6)

6

Whangarei

Full time/Part time

2 years full time

$5,240.78 (Year 1)

Bachelor of Applied Management NEW MAJORS

7

Whangarei

Full time/Part time

3 years full time

$5,326.40 (Year 1)

Graduate Diploma in Business

7

Whangarei

Full time/Part time

1 year full time

$5,326.40

NEW MAJORS

Enquire about Student Loans and Scholarships

Freephone 0800 162 100 For more detailed information visit:

www.northtec.ac.nz Refer to our website for terms and conditions

- iwi, tou - wananga Tou • Your people, your place

Page 12

10th July, 2014

Robinson Asphalts Receive Further Accolades

R

obinson Asphalts were the proud winners of multiple awards at the recent inaugural 2014 NZ Contractors Federation “Northland Construction Awards” held on 13th June at A’Fare Restaurant.

Winning projects for Robinson Asphalts were their PAK’nSAVE Whangarei Carpark Stage 1 Project which took out the award for the $750k to $1million Projects category, and their Fulton Hogan JV Kamo Bypass Railway repairs project which won the $0 to $200k Projects Category Award.

The PAK’nSAVE job was a comprehensive project involving siteworks, drainage, carpark sealing, concrete footpaths, landscaping, electrical installations, covered walkway structures and Trundler Bays.

Annie says “it’s always very satisfying to see local firms

chosen for major projects around Northland – there is plenty of capability among Contractors and Builders in the North but we have to work very hard to get our share sometimes. It’s really great when local businesses make a point of supporting other local businesses.

This is something that Northland is able to do well, when you are a small part of a much larger economy such as that in Auckland you don’t get the same loyalties”.

Robinson Asphalts also used local subcontractors on these projects.

The Kamo Bypass Rail repairs project was undertaken by Robinson Asphalts as a subcontractor to Fulton Hogan-John Holland JV. The bypass had to be closed off for the work to be done over a weekend, to make it happen within the timeframe Robinson Asphalts staff had to work around the clock through two nights in mid-winter.

“It was a real team effort” says Alan.

The project involved removal of existing rail tracks, welding railway tracks, excavations, compaction, drainage, footpaths, metal preparation and Hotmix laid all within a very tight timeframe.

Bradley Day who is an up and coming employee of Robinson Asphalts and currently studying part-time towards the NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) at Northtec while working full-time for Robinson Asphalts, won the Warren Drake Memorial “Trainee of the Year” Award category.

Also on the night, both Alan and Annie Johnston were made life members of the NZ Contractors Federation Northland – this is the first time a female has been made a life member in Northland, and only the third woman nationally to be recognised in this way in the history of NZCF which spans 70 years. It’s

also the first time there has been a father-daughter combination as Life members – Annie’s father Peter Robinson who previously established (1972) and owned Robinson Asphalts along with wife Joan, is also a life member.

Alan and Annie and the team at Robinson Asphalts are thrilled to have received these awards and accolades. This is the first time the Northland branch has held the awards which were a huge success.

The event was well organised, well attended and generously sponsored by local and industry suppliers. Alan commented that contracting can be a tough and very competitive industry so it’s great to have an opportunity to socialise and get together for a positive event that recognises the good work that goes on around Northland.

Alan and Annie Johnston with David Gurnell (above) and David Wright (below) celebrating at the Northland Construction Awards

Bradley Day wins Trainee of the Year.

NORTHLAND’S FIRST CLASS CONTRACTORS Proud to have a First Class Team - Winners of 3 Awards at the 2014 NZCF Northland Construction Awards Let us take the hassle out of your project. We do it all – from start to finish

www.robinsonasphalts.co.nz | PH: 09 435 0188

Award Winning Projects

YOU CAN COUNT ON US!