canterbury today magazine 130

NEW ZEALANDS SMARTEST BUSINESS PEOPLE ARE SWITCHING TO 2DEGREES.

KATE SYLVESTER DESIGNER

DION NASH TRIUMPH & DISASTER

AL BROWN DEPOT / FEDERAL DELI / BEST UGLY BAGELS

GEOFF ROSS 42BELOW FOUNDER / MOA / ECOYA / TRILOGY

MC3222A Talk to one of our Business Consultants today and well help drive your business forward.

Call 0800 022 249 or visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz/business

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NEW ZEALANDS SMARTEST BUSINESS PEOPLE ARE SWITCHING TO 2DEGREES.

KATE SYLVESTER DESIGNER

DION NASH TRIUMPH & DISASTER

AL BROWN DEPOT / FEDERAL DELI / BEST UGLY BAGELS

GEOFF ROSS 42BELOW FOUNDER / MOA / ECOYA / TRILOGY

MC3222A Talk to one of our Business Consultants today and well help drive your business forward.

Call 0800 022 249 or visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz/business

MC3222A BUS SBP full page ad V2.indd 1 12/12/14 10:59 am

4 | January/February 2015 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Issue 130 January/February 2015

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In this issue...Viewpoints

6 The PMs deskJohn Key outlines the Governments injection of resources into Canterburys healthcare sector

6 Customer service Business consultant Kevin Vincent on keeping customers coming back

6 Investment themes for 2015Martin Fraser-Allen outlines economic and investment themes for the coming year

8 Create a climate of ownershipTime management guru Robyn Pearce on creating a productive environment

8 First call resolutionGraeme Russell talks about delivering quick client fixes in one conversation

8 Finding start-up successRichard O'brien on the many factors to consider when starting a business

10 Getting website images rightWebsite specialist Suzanne Carters key rules for online visuals

10 Creating healthy workspaces Jane Cowan-Harris on the cost of thinking about look at the expense of wellness

10 Events diaryFind out whats on near you

Features

12 After the rebuildWhen EQR revenue streams dry up what then?

13 Surviving the silly season cash flow flummoxHow to cope with the holiday seasons financial hangover

14 Temporary staff training tips Simple steps to help make temporary staff training quick and efficient

16 Passing the blink testThree to five seconds is all you have to hook website visitors

22 Shear determinationJeremy Moon talks about creating Icebreaker and the desire to make a difference

24 Why customers leaveWhy businesses lose customers and how to turn it around

25 LifestylesEverything from gadgets and gizmos to hat stands and baubles

In Business

26 Property & ConstructionIQ Homes, Schick Construction and Cartage, Waterloo Business Park and Diggers NZ - [Cullimore Engineering]

40 Business developmentOriginal Foods, Anatoki Salmon Farm, Carlton Taylor Industries and South Canterburys engineering icon, Dan Cosgrove Ltd

47 AshburtonLiving the lifestyle at Lake Hood, Moore Architecture and Sims Bakery

51 AgribusinessNorwood Farm Machinery, Paul Smith Earthmoving and the Fertiliser Quality Councils mission to protect our pastures

58 FocusTechnosol Construction Solutions, Shardlows Packaging, Southern Woods Plant Nursery, DNA Structures, Skevington Contracting, Hanmers hot spot The St James, Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers, Orix New Zealand, and Taymac Stainless massive tank cleaning mission at the Christchurch airport

73 Food distribution and productionHow Service Foods is increasing its capacity and New Zealand food industry pioneers Brinks Chikens

75 Goods & ServicesHow the Volstead Trading Co has taken a nod from heady 1920s days to become a den of serious style

76 EducationQuality learning experiences at the Nelson College for Girls

77 SportGrasshopper Soccer is nurturing the sport at its roots

78 HospitalitySherborne Motor Lodge - a home when youre away from home

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KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWING BUSINESS SINCE 1985

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Enter the draw to win a Sparkling Bouquet from Edible Blooms on page 13

Taylor GlenLyn Wright

Canterbury Today Issue 130

Issue 130 | January/February 2015

ISSN 0113-8340 | News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions SAFETY & TRADE SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

After the rebuild When EQR revenue streams dry up what then?

Why customers leaveWhy you lose clients and how to turn it around

Passing the blink testPreventing online visitors from moving on

Shear determinationJeremy Moon on creating Icebreaker and the desire to make a difference

Investment themes for 2015

Delivering quick client fixes

in one conversation

John Key outlines the

Governments cash injection

for Canterbury healthcare

Enter the draw to win a Sparkling Bouquet from

Edible Blooms on page 13

Access Lock Specialists Limited is celebrating three years of being at the forefront of security technology, with the company heavily focused on commercial security including stand-alone access control locks, electronic keypad safes and high-security master key systems.

Access Lock Specialists was formed in 2007 by owners Roger Barriball and Richard Nind. It grew out of a mobile locksmith business that Richard had previously operated.

The company has expanded significantly since 2007 and today specialises in the installation and repair of digital locks, electronic locks and safes for the home and business, automotive keys and transponder keys, while offering a complete locksmith service through its shop, service vans and website.

From its modern showroom and workshop at 170 Waterloo Road, Hornby, Access Lock Specialists offers quality branded products for all applications and full workshop services. It is an authorised dealer for several leading brands, including Chubb, Secureline and Yale Safes, and its products include padlocks, heavy duty chain and cable, hasp and staples, window locks, ranch-slider locks, mortice locks, deadbolts, residential and commercial locksets, keys and key accessories.

Focus on automotiveRichard says Access Lock Specialists is working hard to grow its range of services and is now focusing heavily on the automotive locksmith market. We have a full container-height roller door into our workshop and we can take any sized vehicle, from buses to trucks and cars, he says.Weve expanded into the back of our workshop and now have plenty of vehicle workshop space and secure storage.

While the company has always done automotive keys, it is currently increasing its workload with electronic transponder keys, which are computer chipped in the key head.

We can programme them and make new ones. There have always been a lot of grey areas around transponder keys, but there have been a lot of

advances in technology to counter that. Its a very interesting aspect of our business and were moving rapidly from mechanical to electronic.

Access Lock Specialists offers high-security key systems for businesses, which involve master keys and restricted systems to control the issue of keys.The company is an authorised supplier of Kaba experT, a quality Swiss engineering security key system which uses a unique reversible key.

Company growthAccess Lock Specialists currently has four service vehicles after the recent purchase of Better Security and has recently employed an administration manager and a locksmith apprentice. The company purchase has greatly increased the automotive locksmithing side of the business.

Roger says there are many reasons why people choose to deal with Access Lock Specialists, including the companys commitment to great service. Our very experienced staff can put their hands to almost anything. We can deal with all aspects of locks and locksmithing. We do both commercial and residential lock services and installations. We do free security key services and quotes for residential and commercial customers, he says.

We want to keep moving forward. Customers come to us because were a small company, were focused very much on the service we provide and much of it is same-day service. We get onto the job and get the work done.

Access Lock Specialists is a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia and the New Zealand Locksmiths Association, while Richard Nind is a trade tester with the MLAA and is a registered apprentice tester. Personal SecurityAccess Lock Specialists can provide a range of product for personal safety and security including; Personal Alarms, Wireless House Alarms, Cavius Smoke Detectors, Wireless Cameras & Intercoms and Digital Doors.

The Cavius detectors advertised as the Worlds Smallest Smoke & Heat Alarms are both Photoelectric and Thermal with 10 year long- life batteries. Similar in size to a golf ball, they are easy to install and almost unnoticed on the ceiling.

The Quell personal alarm is ideal for walkers, joggers, the elderly, disabled people, night shift workers, and people who live alone. They are small enough to keep in a handbag or purse and emit a loud 100db alarm when activated.

There is also a range of Yale wireless alarms and Abus wireless cameras which can easily be installed by the DIYer. The alarms are priced from $359.00 and include Standard, Family and Premium options, with the Premium being able to text activations to your mobile. The Abus 16000 camera setup includes internet connection which allows video and activation emails to be sent to your smart phone. The unit comes with one camera but can accept upto four.

IS YOUR SECURITY SORTED?

More information is available on our website:www.accesslocks.co.nz Or at our showroom: 170 Waterloo Road,Hornby, Christchurch T (03) 344 5959 | F (03) 344 [email protected]


News | Viewpoints

COMMERCIAL CLEANING & BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICESFor competitive quotes call us on (03) 338 9056 or email [email protected]

www.totalcanterbury.co.nz

GeneralCommercialCleaning BuildersCleans BuildingMaintenance&Repairs Carpet&FurnitureCleaning WindowCleaning SpecialistFloorMaintenance ToTal Service ToTal Commitment

As the National-led government moves into another term, we are totally focussed on the issues that matter to New Zealanders. One of those issues is health.

National understands that it is only by having a strong economy that we can lift opportunities and incomes for Kiwi families, and provide world leading public services such as good quality healthcare.

Canterbury has been an important focus for redevelopment of healthcare services since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. People working in the health system in Canterbury have had to deal with some extremely tough challenges following the earthquakes.

Staff throughout Canterbury are doing an outstanding job while earthquake repairs are ongoing and new facilities are constructed. The Government is committed to building new, high quality health facilities in Christchurch.

Combined, the Christchurch and Burwood hospital developments represent the most significant public hospital projects ever in New Zealand, together costing an estimated $650 million. The money is coming from the revenue gained from the share floats carried out last term of the state-owned power companies, and the Governments share selldown in Air New Zealand.

The redevelopment and the repair programme in Canterbury is progressing well.

The vision the Government has for healthcare in Canterbury is for a connected and sustainable health system, centred on providing for people.

The construction of the new Acute Services building at Christchurch Hospital - on target to be completed in 2018 - is an exciting project that is a vital part of meeting future healthcare needs. Without the Acute Services building, Christchurchs hospital facilities would begin to fall short of healthcare needs by 2018.

The Burwood Health Campus will have 230 new inpatient beds, a new front of house area including a main entrance, caf and reception, a new back of house area comprising a hospital kitchen, supply and distribution area and the plant to support these areas. It will also include an extended radiology department, and a new outpatient department able to manage 80,000 outpatient visits a year.

Looking nationwide, we have a set of six National Health Targets in areas such as access to elective surgery, shorter wait times for cancer treatment, and increased levels of immunisation.

I am proud of what the National-led Government is achieving with the health system, and Im sure we will continue to see improved results and good progress with new facilities to meet the needs of people in Canterbury.

By Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

As we head toward the end of another year, the focus is shifting to how the prospects for 2015 are shaping up.

Thinking ahead to next year, there are a number of economic and investment themes emerging that I think will shape the way markets perform over the coming year.

Economic growth is diverging

The US is leading the charge on the growth front, with monthly employment gains at the highest levels in 15 years and manufacturing indicators at a three year high. The UK is also looking solid, while Europe and Japan face low growth, high debt levels and risks of deflation and China is moving into a more moderate period of growth.

New Zealand is certainly better placed than most with a stable government, falling unemployment, a strong construction sector and surging migration.

There is no inflation, anywhere Almost everywhere in the world, inflation is tracking close to the bottom of central bank target ranges. Locally, consumer prices were up just one percent for the year to September and there appears to be very little pressure on any central banks to tighten monetary policy settings significantly.

Interest rates to stay low, but central banks are starting to go their own wayThe Federal Reserve in the US and the Bank of England are expected to increase interest rates during 2015. At the other end of the scale are the Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank, where we will see additional stimulus, money printing and very low interest rates. New Zealand and Australia already have higher benchmark rates than global peers, and our central banks are likely to remain on the sidelines until late next year, or even into 2016.

A mixed performance is likely for the NZ dollar The resurgent US dollar should continue to gain momentum, which should keep the NZ dollar on a steady downward trend against the greenback. We see a similar path for our currency against the British Pound, albeit probably to a lesser degree. But against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, we expect the NZ dollar to remain strong and potentially rise even further from current levels.

Mark Lister is Head of Private Wealth Research at Craigs Investment Partners. His disclosure statement is available free of charge under his profile on www.craigsip.com. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific investment advice.

Investment themes for 2015

The Prime Minister's desk Customer service the big differentiator

Kevin Vincent is managing director of Vincent Consulting Limited. www.vincentconsulting.co.nz

Every company I talk with readily recognises the importance of good customer service and putting the customer first. Why then, do we find that service people often treat us though we are a nuisance and that we may owe them something?

Is it getting worse or better? How often do you feel neglected, frustrated and unhappy with the levels of service you receive? Why is it that some companies endear themselves to us while others just dont seem to care or even know how to please? I am sure people go to work not intending to fail.

Today customers want more value. If they value lower cost they want it cheaper. If its convenience, they want it faster. If its more technologically advanced, they want it smarter, lighter, faster and easier.

Most companies have access to similar levels of technology and in these cases the key to successful differentiation can often sit with the level of customer service we provide.

In order for organisations to excel, they must do more than simply satisfy their customers. They must differentiate themselves and their employees in significant ways that add value to the customers experience. They must provide a premium service that is unique, faster, more reliable, more responsive and more caring than ever before. What was once special treatment is today ordinary and we all must look for ways to deliver service standards that go above and beyond.

Companies must:

Act with professionalism and self confidence

Demonstrate an understanding of the customers needs and expectations

Exceed the customers needs and expectations.

Customer service is everyones responsibility. The loyalty of your customers is likely to be the most important asset of your company.

Everyone in your company provides customer service whether that service is internal or external. If the provision of great customer service to internal clients becomes your culture, then that same great customer service will be provided externally.

Your company can become very successful and differentiate itself if you have a greater understanding and knowledge of who your customers are, what their unique needs are, why they should do business with you (whats in it for them), and what value you give them that cant be gained elsewhere.

Remember, customers do have choice. Make it easy for your customers to do business with you and your business will grow and become more profitable.

Martin Fraser-Allen, adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. www.craigsip.com. T 0800 272 442

SKOPEs half century of innovation

Along the way he has started a radio station, helped drive the 1974 Commonwealth Games, become president of the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, and chair of the Canterbury Manufacturers Association and the Governments Health Research Council. He has also been honoured as an Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur who has never been afraid to think outside the square, Sir Robert left school at age 15 to take up an apprentice electrician role with the Government, going on to work at Christchurch Airport and at Paparua prison. His passion later took him to England, where he studied engineering at Cranfield College. On his return to New Zealand, Sir Robert worked for his fathers company, PDL Industries, for five years.

At 25, Sir Robert purchased Christchurch-based Robat Avon Industries, which he rebranded to SKOPE Enterprises. It was from here that he went on to build the countrys leading heating company, expanding the business to include commercial refrigeration products and building an international export market.

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015, it marks a half century at the forefront of the industry, both locally and globally. The company continues to occupy the same site, at 66 Princess Street, but has since expanded, creating a research, design and production plant utilising the whole block.

Today SKOPE designs and manufactures commercial refrigeration and foodservice products for the hospitality and retail sectors, from restaurants, bars and conference facilities, to commercial kitchens, supermarkets and convenience stores, and to industries as diverse as the health, aged care, mining and food processing sectors.

Having exited the heating market, today SKOPE Industries is a global player in the commercial refrigeration market. An extensive product range includes chillers, freezers, blast chillers and shock freezers, cool and freezer rooms and the customisation of product to suit clients individual specifications and requirements.

Two of Sir Roberts children, Guy and Alexandra, share their fathers drive and passion for the family business and have taken over the helm of SKOPE, which now employs more than 300 people and has a far reaching global presence.

Lady Barbara Stewart is involved with philanthropic work and the arts in Canterbury, along with her children Marcus and Alexandra. Sir Robert remains an active member of the companys Board and is thrilled to have his book hit the shelves.

The book is available to buy from http://skopesale.spiffystores.com/.

SKOPE Industries Ltd 66 Princess Street, Christchurch

T 0800 947 5673 E [email protected]

www.skope.co.nz

The year 2014 has been a year of milestones for SKOPEs founder, Sir Robert Stewart, who earlier in the year was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit to manufacturing and the community.

Last month, Sir Robert struck another goal off his bucket list when he launched his autobiography, Determined to Win, published by Random House.

Sir Robert Stewart may have been born into a successful manufacturing family, but he had to set up his own company the hard way, using his own money, courage, street smarts and creativity, it says.

Sir Roberts account of starting SKOPE, manufacturing, exporting and holding on to the family business is a lively memoir in which he shares insights into being successful in one of the most challenging business environments. It tells the story of a man who, over five decades, led the business through economic ups and downs, tough times and highlights, to become one of New Zealands leading manufacturers and exporters.

A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, between time spent in the office, on the factory floor and building partnerships and reputation offshore, Sir Robert has led a fulfilling life outside of SKOPE racing cars and building yachts and enjoying his recreational pursuits with his wider family and friends.

SKOPEs story is anything but black and white, as published in an exciting new autobiography by founder Sir Robert Stewart

SKOPEs half century of innovation

Along the way he has started a radio station, helped drive the 1974 Commonwealth Games, become president of the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, and chair of the Canterbury Manufacturers Association and the Governments Health Research Council. He has also been honoured as an Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur who has never been afraid to think outside the square, Sir Robert left school at age 15 to take up an apprentice electrician role with the Government, going on to work at Christchurch Airport and at Paparua prison. His passion later took him to England, where he studied engineering at Cranfield College. On his return to New Zealand, Sir Robert worked for his fathers company, PDL Industries, for five years.

At 25, Sir Robert purchased Christchurch-based Robat Avon Industries, which he rebranded to SKOPE Enterprises. It was from here that he went on to build the countrys leading heating company, expanding the business to include commercial refrigeration products and building an international export market.

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015, it marks a half century at the forefront of the industry, both locally and globally. The company continues to occupy the same site, at 66 Princess Street, but has since expanded, creating a research, design and production plant utilising the whole block.

Today SKOPE designs and manufactures commercial refrigeration and foodservice products for the hospitality and retail sectors, from restaurants, bars and conference facilities, to commercial kitchens, supermarkets and convenience stores, and to industries as diverse as the health, aged care, mining and food processing sectors.

Having exited the heating market, today SKOPE Industries is a global player in the commercial refrigeration market. An extensive product range includes chillers, freezers, blast chillers and shock freezers, cool and freezer rooms and the customisation of product to suit clients individual specifications and requirements.

Two of Sir Roberts children, Guy and Alexandra, share their fathers drive and passion for the family business and have taken over the helm of SKOPE, which now employs more than 300 people and has a far reaching global presence.

Lady Barbara Stewart is involved with philanthropic work and the arts in Canterbury, along with her children Marcus and Alexandra. Sir Robert remains an active member of the companys Board and is thrilled to have his book hit the shelves.

The book is available to buy from http://skopesale.spiffystores.com/.

SKOPE Industries Ltd 66 Princess Street, Christchurch

T 0800 947 5673 E [email protected]

www.skope.co.nz

The year 2014 has been a year of milestones for SKOPEs founder, Sir Robert Stewart, who earlier in the year was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit to manufacturing and the community.

Last month, Sir Robert struck another goal off his bucket list when he launched his autobiography, Determined to Win, published by Random House.

Sir Robert Stewart may have been born into a successful manufacturing family, but he had to set up his own company the hard way, using his own money, courage, street smarts and creativity, it says.

Sir Roberts account of starting SKOPE, manufacturing, exporting and holding on to the family business is a lively memoir in which he shares insights into being successful in one of the most challenging business environments. It tells the story of a man who, over five decades, led the business through economic ups and downs, tough times and highlights, to become one of New Zealands leading manufacturers and exporters.

A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, between time spent in the office, on the factory floor and building partnerships and reputation offshore, Sir Robert has led a fulfilling life outside of SKOPE racing cars and building yachts and enjoying his recreational pursuits with his wider family and friends.

SKOPEs story is anything but black and white, as published in an exciting new autobiography by founder Sir Robert Stewart


News | Viewpoints

Starting a business can be a good idea, especially if you have a viable idea you are passionate about and cannot find a suitable existing business to buy and re-direct.

However, as failure rates show, there are risks. There are many factors to consider when you start a business, including your skills, the benefits, costs, risks and easier options.

People start businesses for all kinds of reasons, such as the money, realising your dream, getting to control your own destiny and job security. You work on your own terms, including when you work, where, who with and how much you earn.

This all sounds very good, so its important to remember that starting a business is considered high risk territory.

To make sure you have your best chance of being on the right side of scary statistics like 53 percent of small businesses fail within the first three years, you need to honestly assess your business idea before you start.

Firstly, you need to determine that there is an opportunity in the market for what you want to do; that there is not too much competition, or a lack of interest in your product or service. Then consider whether you can secure the resources you will need including reliable suppliers, staff, a building in the right location, etc.

You will also need to take into account what your start-up costs will be, how long it will realistically take to break even, and how long you are able to support a business that is not breaking even.

Owning your own business now offers arguably as much job security as working for a large corporation however, starting a business from scratch is not the only way to become your own boss and you should always weigh up easier and less risky options - like buying a business.

In buying and adapting an existing business you will often start with a customer base and cashflow, saving you time and money, and still be able to alter the direction of the business to be in keeping with your vision. If you are able to start up a new business with good skills, financial controls and knowledge of your market, then your chances of success are greatly improved.

Richard OBrien is the director of operations at www.nzbizbuysell.co.nz

Finding start-up successFirst call resolution

Graeme Russell is a marketing and PR specialist. [email protected]

In todays economic climate most of us are trying to keep our operational costs to a minimum, while trying to balance adequate service levels.

Normally, when you cut costs there is a trade off with the level of service that you can offer. However, in customer service teams, there is something that you can measure and improve on.

Often companies around New Zealand dont give too much thought to measuring and improving their customer services. If they were going to investigate anything at all it should be FCR First Call Resolution.

What is FCR? There are different definitions for FCR, but I like to think of it as getting it right the first time. This means when a customer calls you with an issue you solve it in one phone call.

Why is this important? Every time a customer has to call your company back because their issue wasnt resolved the first or second time, those second and third calls cost you a lot of money.

Lets look at some facts and figures. An FCR of 68 percent is average in the USA NZ might be a little lower. This means 32 percent of customers have to call back; reduce this and you reduce your running costs enormously.

About 15 percent of customers who dont get a resolution are likely to go to a competitor, this will have a big impact on your business. And FCR is directly related to customer satisfaction a one percent increase in FCR will get you a one percent increase in customer satisfaction. Once your customer service representative thinks that they have solved the issue get them to ask the customer Did I solve the problem for you today? The answer will tell you if you still have some work to do. If the answer is yes, then job done. If the answer is no, or hesitation, then the response should be Thanks for telling me, can you please explain how else I can be of help and Ill do my best to find a solution?This is so simple its beautiful. Once you do this the next step is to find a way to work out how often you get it right the first time.

A very experienced principal, newly appointed to a troubled city school, opened his door about an hour into his first day at work to find a row of faces looking back. About 10 children were lined up waiting for discipline.

What are you here for? And you, and you? down the line he went. As each student replied he just said, Go back to your classroom and get on with your work.

Nothing was said to the teachers; no punishment was meted out by the principal. As the days went by the potential chain gang outside his door grew smaller and smaller until, a week later, he opened his door to find no children.

Under the previous principal the school had struggled with a major discipline problem; the boss had been the external provider of discipline instead of empowering his teachers to take responsibility, to manage their own environment.

How to build this sense of ownership

Ask yourself; How do I enlist and involve my colleagues? How do I help them feel a sense of ownership with their work and with the organisation?

Mutual ownership is a climate where every person counts, regardless of position; where everyone feels they have a stake in the success and growth of the organisation. Mutual ownership happens when all staff are involved in decisions, feel free to contribute and have their ideas listened to and accepted where appropriate.

Get them involved in thinking and solutions

Some examples of practical collaborative questions you can use with your team, as you enlist their input:

How can we save time? What can we do to speed up?What can we do to be more efficient?What should we stop doing?What will make our service more valuable to our customers?How can we over-deliver?How can we monitor changes inside and outside

our industry?Who is watching the trends?

Robyn Pearce is a time management expert. www.gettingagrip.com

Create a climate of ownership


News | Viewpoints

EVENTS DIARYWhats happening on the

business and entertainment front

Getting website images right

Suzanne Carter is a specialist for website development company Limelight Online. www.limelightonline.co.nz

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 - 25 World Buskers FestivalFifty amazing street performers, comedians, fringe artists, musicians and visual artists will take centre stage in North Hagley Park for the World Buskers Festival during 11 exciting days.For more information, visit: www.worldbuskersfestival.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 Web Design Bootcamp Do you want to get into the web industry, but lack the skills to get a job? Yoobees Web Design Bootcamp is an intensive 12 week course that will prepare you for the industry. To register, go to: www.yoobee.ac.nz

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24Summer Festival Riccarton Park Races Enjoy a family day out with racing action, local food, free kids entertainment and live music at the Summer Festival races.For more information, visit: www.theraces.co.nz

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Sparks The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will showcase an evening of music featuring popular songs from movies in North Hagley Park, closing with a spectacular fireworks display.For more information, visit: www.ccc.govt.nz

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4Reserve Bank of New Zealand LuncheonJoin the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Graeme Wheeler, for his first on-the-record address for 2015. This is one of Canterburys must attend annual business events.To register, go to: www.cecc.org.nz

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15Ocean Swim Series - La Grande SwimConsisting of four different swim events, the State La Grande Swim provides an ocean swim event for all ages and abilities. Held in Akaroa this is the fourth of six events in the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.To register, go to: www.oceanswim.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Speed NetworkingGet involved with an evening of interactive speed business networking at Spectators Bar and Bistro. The event will be run by Elite6 Business Networking.To register, go to: www.elite6.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Management and Leadership Workshop If you have been recently promoted to a management role, or if you have been there for sometime but need to improve your skills, then this course is for you. Learn how to set boundaries, run successful teams, establish goals, give feedback and more. To register, go to: www.biztrainers.co.nz

One of the most common conversations I have with businesses about their website design is around the use of images. Images can include photos, graphics, drawings, or pretty much anything that is visual and not words.

Why are images important?This is an easy one. The answer is a resounding yes and the reasons why are various. Images build trust and credibility, visual content engages much more than the written word, images convey a clear message as to what your business does.

When do I need to use an image?Any image that you use must be appropriate to your business, your message and your market. An image is not meant to confuse; it is meant to enhance your website and engage visitors to your site so that they take the action you want them to take.

Dont be tempted to use an image just for the sake of having one. White space on a website doesnt need to be filled with an image that serves no purpose.

What quality should the images be?Again, this is an easy one to answer: high quality every single time. In fact, if the images are not of a high quality then it is best not to add them to your website as it can do your brand more harm than good.

Poor quality images will create the wrong first impression as potential customers may make the assumption your products or services are of poor quality too. It is definitely worth the investment in hiring a professional photographer if you are not so flash at taking photos.

Can we use any image we find on the Internet?Just because an image is available on the Internet for all to see, it does not mean that you can use it on your website, even though it may be the perfect image for your needs. Many images are subject to copyright so to be safe it is best to use your own photos or design your own images.

Why are team photos so important?People buy from people so including photos of your team on your website conveys a sense of trust, credibility and transparency.

In conclusion - the right images on your website will increase engagement and conversion. The wrong images will have the opposite effect. If you are in doubt about whether to use an image or not then it is probably best not to.

Something I commonly hear when Im out and about visiting various organisations is that, although people would love to, they say theres no budget for creating a healthy workplace.As a business owner myself, I do of course appreciate this and know even the largest of projects generally has budget constraints and an unfulfilled nice-to-have list.

Sadly however, all too often this lack of budget leads instantly to inaction. Yet when it comes to wellbeing, inaction is the most unhealthy option.

The times are changingTraditionally when talking budgets, health and wellness has been considered an unnecessary spend for many organisations. However, as more discoveries are made about the impact work has on our physical and emotional wellbeing, this way of thinking is starting to change.

The cost of thinking looks without also thinking wellness is now being measured and the findings are clear; organisations who invest in designing and maintaining healthy workplaces are saving money and very often being recognised for it.

Small changes make a big difference The reality is that whatever your budget, for relatively little or even no cost, you can begin to create a healthier workplace. I find one of the most effective ways start to create a healthy workplace is with good intent. Whether its a board or management team implementing a policy specifically outlining a commitment to create and support a healthy, sustainable work space culture, or a bunch of workmates making their own team plan, each small change makes a difference and any small change can make a big difference.

Encourage movementWherever and whenever possible, encourage movement in your workplace. Its easy when youre immersed in your everyday tasks to forget to move. Remind people to stretch during the day. Stretching helps your muscles to get more oxygen into them and relax.

Freshen up your surroundings Brighten up work spaces wherever possible. Put some plants around the place and make a real difference to the atmosphere.

Go with the flowAny really healthy workplace of course factors people into the equation. Spend some time watching what people physically do in your work environment throughout the day and consider if the space actually works well for them individually and for your wider team. Can people move around easily? If not, try changing the room layout. It can always go back to how it was.

By Jane Cowan-Harris, head of WorkSpace IQ. www.workspaceiq.co.nz

Creating healthy workspaces

Although the automobile has had changed the shape of modern day life, escalating fuel prices are now making it prohibitively expensive to drive.

However, there is help at hand. Much like you use a conditioner to improve the condition of your hair, theres a fuel conditioner which can actually improve the condition of your vehicles engine.

Available from Auckland, for both personal and commercial vehicles, Power Pill can give you more power and save up to 50 percent of your fuel costs, explains Power Pill distributor Lionel Coughey.

The Power Pill is a hydrocarbon tablet which conditions your engine, Lionel explains. So it increases engine power, improves fuel economy, reduces exhaust emissions and ultimately saves you money.

In the past 18 months of trials, the lowest increase in fuel efficiency in petrol vehicles has been 15 percent and almost as high as a 50 percent gain in newer vehicles.

Available in a blister pack of 10, there are Power Pills available for both petrol and diesel vehicles, from small personal cars, to large commercial fleets. With prices starting at just $40 per 10 pack suitable to treat a 70 litre tank of fuel, you can make significant fuel savings for as low as $4 per treatment.

With a money back guarantee and insurance policy, companies can try Power Pill for themselves in even the most expensive machinery, without risk to themselves or their company equipment.

CUT YOUR PETROL PUMP COSTS WITH THE POWER PILL

Typically if youre filling up regularly, you can add one pill per fill up, or you can divide the pill into smaller doses half a pill for half a tank, Lionel says.

Developed in Russia towards the end of World War II, the Power Pill has years of research and expertise behind it and can make a significant difference to the environment. The Power Pill decreases emissions significantly, Lionel says.

From the tests we have carried out on a standard Nissan, carbon emissions were decreased by 42 percent, which was already well below the national environmental standards. Its future proofing for when the Government introduces a pay for pollution system.

Auckland taxi owner Kumar saw results straight away after using the Power Pill FE-3 and its making a significant difference to his bottom line. After only one fill-up I noticed the diesel van was pulling much better up the hills with so much more power, Kumar says.

Lenard from Mr Butcher Homekills in Ramarama began using the large truck pills in his company truck six months ago.

Straight away I noticed more power travelling uphill and to my surprise I have on average been achieving a 14.2 percent saving on fuel per tank, Lenard says. I think that all business should be using the power pill.

Manufacturers are always making better vehicles, Lionel says. Our products will still be able to deliver despite the new technology coming through. A lot of people figure theyre using hybrid vehicles and not using a lot of gas anyway. If they get in touch with us, we can demonstrate the value they can still get from our products.

POWER PILL can give you more power and save up to

50 percent of your fuel costs!

Power Pill | OShannessey Street, Papakura, Auckland.027 7571 561 | [email protected] | Vission 2000 Limited.

www.powerpill.co


News |Local moves

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Hawkins chief executive officer, Geoff Hunt says the construction of the new airport terminal in Christchurch during the Canterbury earthquakes has given his staff invaluable knowledge around working as invisibly as possible in complex operational environments.We will use our project delivery experience and knowledge, earned through large scale airport projects in Christchurch and Auckland, to work collaboratively with the designers and the airport to deliver a significant gateway asset for Wellington, he said after Wellington Airport announced the 6,000 sqm extension of its main terminal building and apron. When the main Wellington terminal was opened in 1999, around 9,500 passengers flowed through the airport each day. That has now increased to 15,000 on average with busy days reaching up to 20,000.

Since late 2010 many businesses have relied on post-quake activity for the greater, if not all, of their income and business consultant, Dave Sewell has grave concerns about how these businesses will survive in 2015 and beyond.

With Fletcher managed repair work expected to slow down dramatically by the end of this year, he is increasingly working with businesses to ensure they start now to build longevity into their business model.

When the EQR revenue streams dry up what then? The bubble is going to burst and if businesses have not been smart and prepared for that, they will not be in a position to take advantage of the ongoing opportunities.

Businesses have to take a good look at themselves and change what they are doing or they wont survive, he believes. I have clients who have more than 80 percent of their revenue coming directly from earthquake work. They need to put resources into changing that now and looking for new doors to open.

Dave encourages businesses reliant on repair work to learn to say no. There is this perception that if you turn down work from Fletchers or Hawkins you wont get any more. Rubbish. Since the quakes these agencies have consolidated

After the rebuildAfter the rebuild what happens?

and tightened their processes and if you are one of the companies they are giving work to, then you are obviously delivering a good service.

He says companies need to be confident now in that they can say no, we cant do that right now, but will move to it in a few weeks. To survive, businesses have to start bringing in other work. Saying no to ready income can be stressful, but to survive long term you have to.

He offers up four points all businesses can use to help build sustainability into their business. Based on the book The Inside Advantage by Robert Bloom, which says you have to identify who is going to grow your business and then go after them.

The who, what and how of keeping your business alive in 2015.

Who is going to grow your business? Look at your clients who are the great ones? Identify the clients that are organised, pay on time, are easy to work with and do not cause stress. Who is it that uses your service, categorise them, ask yourself what it is they are looking for or concerned with? What is their pain factor and what solution do you have to fix their problem?

What have you got that is valuable to that client? Then identify those that give you profitable work.

If these clients meet the above, then what do you need to do to keep them coming back? These clients understand the value you add and if they

come back to you repeatedly, you save dollars by doing less marketing.

Lastly, what can you do to get these clients to refer you to similar people?

Identify those in your database that meet these criteria, where they came from, what it is about them that makes them like your business, and then go and directly market to others that are the same or similar.

EQ experience pays off for local firm

Hawkins has worked on numerous airport projects for more than 25 years within New Zealand and internationally. After recently completing the Integrated Terminal at Christchurch International Airport, Hawkins is now delivering the Nadi International Airport modernisation project in Fiji and two air-side projects at Auckland International Airport.

We fully understand the importance of a well planned approach and an unwavering commitment to health and safety of everyone involved with the project, as well as the wider airport community, Hunt says.Former Christchurch International Airport chief executive, Jim Boult worked closely with Hawkins during the expansion of his airport and that

If you can encourage clients like this, your business will quickly become self sustaining.

Dave Sewell

experience played a major role in Boult accepting the invitation to join Hawkins as its executive director.It comprises four businesses: Hawkins Construction, Hawkins Infrastructure, Harker Underground Construction and project management arm, the Canterbury Recovery Project.

The successful upgrade of the Christchurch Airport in extreme circumstances has played a major role in Hawkins securing the $58m extension of Wellington Airport.

Christchurch-based Dave Sewell is one of only two Gazelles International business coaches in New Zealand. He works with mid-market companies helping them develop sustainable growth strategies.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz January/February 2015 | 13

Bibby Financial Services managing director, Mark Cleaver says collections can often be problematic as payables staff take annual leave and invoices often get forgotten. Add to this the traditional slowdown in sales over the New Year, and it is a period of heightened risk of dried up cashflows for many SMEs.

Early preparation is key for the financial health of a business and to avoid a holiday hangover, he says. The average small business now waits almost twice the standard 30 days for payment of invoices, 53.4 days according to Dun & Bradstreets June quarter Trade Payments Analysis, so most SMEs need to act early to avoid payments blowing out beyond this time.

Identifying potential problems is important to managing them, so here are some important tips for SMEs on getting around some key cashflow challenges over the festive season.

1. Invoice early and often, and request a deposit Delayed payments from customers can have a serious impact on a businesss ability to grow its sales and profitability. So invoice early to encourage earlier payment. Make it clear what your payment terms are and enforce them.

Surviving the silly season cashflow flummox

2. Deal with potential late payers as soon as possible As soon as you become aware of a customer not paying, demand payment or consider threatening legal action. Dont let the customer get the upper hand.

3. Investigate solutions to improve receivables management in the quiet period The more procedures that you have in place, the more likely your staff will collect invoices on time. Consider running credit checks on all customers periodically and avoid non-payers.

4. Take the time to review credit reports or consider credit insurance Being a period of cashflow strain for many

Christmas may be a festive time of year, but many small and medium sized enterprises face cashflow challenges during the holiday season and need to plan ahead.

businesses, debtor insolvencies can cause serious cashflow issues and raise the risk of bad debt. Credit insurance can pay off in the long run.

5. Clear overstocks and inventories now Significant amounts of much needed cash can be locked up in unsold inventories, so use them.

6. Prioritise new work What expenses can be delayed until cash flows are stronger? Consider delaying big one-off expenses over the Christmas and New Year season until more cash is flowing. With business tax due in February, this is another key consideration for SMEs.

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But remember youve got to be in to win!

News |Money

Giveaway |In brief

7. Consider offering early settlement discounts for prompt payment If you can afford to, offer a small discount for early payment, which can save you a lot of heartache later.

8. Consider a holiday shut down Examine outgoings and shut down over the holiday period if necessary to minimise costs. If customers stop walking in, then you may as well shut down and save yourself running expenses.


News |Office life

You are probably already preparing your business up for the mad rush and possibly hiring temporary staff to help deal with the influx of customers.

A lot of companies take on temporary staff during the summer period to cope with the extra demand; on average, businesses facing this seasonal influx will increase their staff numbers by 30 percent.

This is the time for your company to perform at its peak and having slack or poorly trained casual staff to help manage the customer influx is not a mistake you want to make.

Having staff on the shop floor who dont know how to do their job correctly wont just lose you revenue during the silly season, but it can also ruin your reputation and the opportunity to gain repeat customers in 2015.

To avoid this from happening it is essential to train extra staff with the same, if not more, time, care and attention you would give to a person you are taking on full time.

Utilise these simple steps to help make your temporary staffs training as quick, efficient and smooth as possible and your business will be sure to have a very merry Christmas.

Warm welcome Welcoming seasonal staff into the business and making them feel part of the team may seem like a waste of time when you are busy, but it is vital that you do it properly.

It is important to introduce them to all of the staff and particularly those who will be on their team. Tell them not only peoples names and job titles, but their specialities and how their job relates to them. This works both ways.

Employees need to know who the temporary workers are and what they can do.

It can be extremely easy for temporary staff to feel isolated and left out of the team if they are not welcomed properly; this can be extremely counter productive. So spend some time on

Temporary staff training tipsBy Laura Baker

this aspect and make the new member feel connected and included. People will work harder for someone they have a connection with.

Crystal clear Early on in the training process explain to your new staff what they will be doing and more importantly why. It is extremely useful for the person to know not only how to do something, but why it needs doing as it gives them context about how their role effects overall operations.

Explaining to the new arrivals why the tasks are done and why they need to be done in a certain way, frames the job for the temporary worker and it gives them perspective.

Self-reliantGive your temporary employee all of the tools that theyll need to be self-reliant and a capable worker.

Provide them with all of the resources that theyll need to work independently; this could mean giving them login accounts to the network data base, passwords, access to shared files, specific phone numbers or just letting them know who to talk to if they need help.

By giving them all of the information they need they will easily be able to answer their own questions. Teaching them to be self-reliant means they will get more work done and you will spend less time answering their questions.

Christmas is just around the corner once again and so too is the busiest time of the year for many businesses.

Helpful tipGet in contact with the temporary staff you used last year and offer them the job. Using people with existing skills and prior knowledge of your companys processes, polices and culture will save you a substantial amount of time and money on training someone new and make the hiring process much smoother.

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P 0800 389 0777F 03 389 0771E [email protected] www.martz.co.nz

Martz Group operates as a niche marketed boutique styled Chartered Accounting Firm with many fingers into business development and professional speaking across the Pacific Rim and beyond.

Its fair to say we are small by some standards BUT our service delivery is second to none IF and thats a very big IF! you are committed to growing your business and making it the one you thought you were going into when you started business.

This article is based on the top 5 (yes just 5) questions we have been asked over the last year.

Question 1You tell me I made all this money. Wheres the cash?Answer. An excellent observation. There is one fundamental rule money comes in and it goes out. IF, and thats a big IF, you feel youre busy but theres no coin in the bank then somebody is spending it. Nothing is surer. Typically we see it being shareholders drawings (quite a few cases this year!), or their tax, or a holiday etc, etc maybe you get the picture. Nonetheless its a very common trend. Next is the cash that is spent on reducing debt (an excellent objective) or on new asset acquisitions. This is capital and not tax deductible. So a valid lesson to learn is that you need to PLAN on what you spend, for the tax

serious and real!

Question 2We them on?Answer. Always a great question! There are two typical schools of

work now this has a very strong impact on cash flow BUT it does not (typically) diminish service levels to existing and new customers and clients. And lets remember the golden rule at this time you are as good as your worst service delivery!

Question 3What can I spend more money on to pay less tax?Answer. OK so this one cracks us up every time. Its as though paying tax

is a bad thing. Sorry but we say no, no, no. Paying tax is a good thing it means you are making money. Now rest assured we dont believe you should pay a $1 more than legally obliged BUT paying tax is good. Its true we have an A to Z of POSSIBLE tax deductions. Want a copy? Sweet as log in to www.martz.co.nz and click the Canterbury Today Seminar and its yours free. No smoke no mirrors. Just remember that just because its on the list does not mean it is tax deductible just that it MIGHT be. We need a chat!!!! And for any new enquiry you get an hour of our time free.

Question 4Im working harder than I ever did. Whens it going to end?Ah another awesome question. The whole lifestyle choice of going self-employed is often overwhelmed by the sheer workload of stress and management that comes with it. In fact the most common question we get is Please give me my life back! The one I thought I was getting when I went into business!

outset. The great thing is that it is never too late to plan! It might take longer to recover and get things right BUT its never too late!

Maybe you need a quick one on one with us now?

Question 5Why make all this money? Does money make you happy aye?Oh as the son of a preacher man its fair to say that I learnt very early on the love of money is evil. Its equally fair to say that money brings some pretty cool opportunities! From the speaking platform we do quip (apology) that those that think money cant buy you happiness dont know where to shop! Yes a tad flippant BUT still relevant! An alternative argument is that money doesnt bring happiness but it makes being miserable being a whole lot more fun!

ACTION STEP:So if any of these questions have resonated with you we need to talk!

discuss your business, your challenges, your opportunities and where to from here.

Seems you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Just saying!


News |Online

You need to capture their attention and spark their interest. And even if they dont stay, you want them to get your one key message before they move on.

Thats a big ask. But here are seven tried and true techniques to make sure you dont lose visitors before they have a chance to find out that your product or service is exactly what they need.

Make your value proposition your most important headline.

Most visitors will read your first headline. But three quarters of visitors dont read any further. If your headline fails to convince visitors to keep reading, your website fails. Start with a headline that states the key benefit of your product or service. Follow it with a simple one-sentence value proposition that supports your headline.

Q. What is a value proposition? A. Simply put, its the answer to why should I buy from you?

Use attractive, uncluttered design and high quality images.

Avoid clutter. If the screen is full of images and words, visitors wont know where to look. Make your site simple and well organised, with plenty of white space, so that visitors can find what theyre looking for.

Attract visitors by using appealing design and images. Remember that images should explain what you do and support your copy. Random images, however lovely, will detract from your message and frustrate visitors who try to figure out their significance. Every picture must help to explain who you are and what you do.

1. Make it easy for people to find their way around your site

Make your navigation easy to see and easy to follow. Your top level navigation should organise the most important information on your site, helping visitors to find what they need at the click of a button.

Passing the blink testBy Lynda Harris

One blink and theyre gone. Within three to five seconds of arriving on your website, visitors will decide whether or not youre worth another moment of their precious time.

Use very clear words for your navigation labels, so that visitors instantly understand what theyre going to find.

Navigation really benefits from user-testing. Find out what top level categories people expect to see on a site like yours and make sure you follow your users advice.

2. Write interesting, easily read textOn the web, everyone is in a hurry. Make sure your text is extremely clear. We call web writing plain English on steroids. Plain English documents are easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to act on.

On your webpage, all the plain English rules apply, but even more so because of your visitors hurry.

Create great structure and logic, with very informative headings. Use as few words as possible to convey your meaning. And make sure those words are instantly understandable. Stay away from jargon and clichs. Write directly to your visitor, with you, and we language.

3. Put important information in the top part of the page

Put your most important information where it will be seen; in front of your visitor when the web page opens. If visitors have to scroll past pretty design to find anything worth reading, theyre unlikely to bother.

4. Optimise for mobile technologyMake sure your site works on mobile phones and tablets. Today, those are the preferred web surfing devices for many people. Make sure your pages scale to mobile size, and that mobile devices can view your images. Make links large enough to be easy to click on with a thumb. Present your text in a single column.

5. Make it easy to take the next stepOnce visitors decide they want what youre offering, make it easy for them to get it.

Above all, your call to action needs to be obvious and easy to act on.

Lynda is founder and director of Write Limited (www.write.co.nz), New Zealands leading plain English communications company. Write offers a wide range of writing and advisory services, and specialises in creating custom-built training solutions. Lynda established the WriteMark (www.writemark.co.nz), New Zealands document quality mark, and is the founder of New Zealands annual plain English awards.

Remember one blink and theyre gone!


been seenThe people, their faces and all the right places - Canterbury

Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

If you have an event that youd like covered, email Lynne (Canterburys been

seen representative) on: [email protected]

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Jagz new restaurant and bar at the Sovereign Palms was opened at a special event in the lovely surroundings of stone and natural wood of the restaurant. The event was attended by contractors and guests who enjoyed the fine food which Jane Sommerville is known for.

A number of people turned out to attend the opening of Fab Lab, a new venue at the cutting edge of technology in Christchurch.

The A&P Show held an awards evening to announce the exhibitor winners in the Continental cafe marquee. The awards saw a huge turnout and MC Ross McRobie kept everyone well entertained.

1. Jane & Steve Sommerville (Jagz owner) 2. Bill & Roz, Maddie & Missy3. Grant & Karen Ford, David Ayers4. Kevin Blair, Chris Wilson, David Blair (KB Contracting& Quarries)5. Deborah Grimshaw (Sovereign Palms) Jackie Cowey, Craig Hock (Ian McNish Solicitors) 6. Matthew Biddick, Claudia Wilson7. Tracey Watson (Suburban Estates) Dylan James (Surgeon)8. Tracey Watson, Brent Brown, Sarah & Dylan James9. Melissa Gray, Nikora Jonathan (Architects Plus)10. Andy McNicholl (EPL), Philip Redmond11. Anne de la Cour (Waimakariri District Council) Martin Hartley (Jones & Jones Homes).

1. Vanessa Puddy, Karl Pavletich (Fab Lab) 2. Gerald Carter, Camia Young, Marilyn Smith3. Netta Egoz, Tnealle Joie, Erica Austin4. Julian Carver, Rachel & Amy Wright5. Richard Fortune, Andrew Lamb6. Bridget Frame, Tim Eastgate7. Car Pavletich, Nicolas Woollaston8. Vik & Tamara Olliver (Diamond Age, Fab Lab, Auckland)

1. Richard Parkes, Mark Mulholland 2. Richard Lemon (Past President), Rhys Llewellyn, Nicola Henderson3. Rex Mildenhall (Horsegifts), Carl Duxfield, Sharon Jones (Canterbury Equestrian), Jackie Midenhel4. Christie-Lynn Gillum (Designer), Megan Jane Smith (Wow Clothing)5. Ross McRobie (MC) 6. Ben Freeman & Claire Waghorn (Urban Paving ), Kylie Bradley (A&P Show)7. Dan Batchelor (Urban Paving the supreme winners), Richard Parkes (President)8. Chris Wright, Nick Walls.

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An evening was held at the Christchurch Casino to launch the Chinese Festival featuring performers from the city of Xian in China.

1. Zhijian Jin, Mark Solomon, Robbin Wang2. Jian Yang, Jimmy Chen, Lianne Dalziel, Zhijian Jin, Nicky Wagner3. Xianghu Xiong, Kaiwan Gan, Jian Yang, Zhijian Jin, Robin Wang4. A group of Christchurch Chinese Business people.

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A fundraising evening was held by 360 Degrees Events which featured The Hat and Mask awards at the Christchurch City Council buildings.

Bartercard had a good turn out for their Christmas fair at the Wigram Air Force Museum, with attendees purchasing a lot of great bargains on Bartercard.

New Zealand Media and Entertainment hosted clients at the New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington during Cup and Show week. Everyone enjoyed the fine food, bubbles and the excitement of the day.

Orix held an afternoon for its staff and clients to mark the opening of their new premises in Moorehouse Ave.

1. Gloria & Maria Wright2. Yvonne Thompson3. Georgia Jamieson, Kay Osborno, Robin Valentine, Sarah Thomas, Chrissy Bell4. Liz Van den ende, Denyse Saunders.

1. Greg & Amanda Cassidy, Megan Mitchell, Kirstie Laing2. Stephen Hoare, Janice Porter-Hoare3. Amanda Guisolan, Hamish Lamont, Denise & Rob Hawthorne4. Graham Dyer, Kororia Lecheminant5. Greg Cassidy, Megan, Elgen ODonnell, Kirstie Laing, Lee piper6. Steven & Belinda Ellis, Michelle & Nigel Butterfield.

1. Nigel Bain (Orix), Wade Blackburn (Pirtek)2. Jason Seaward (Syncro Staff), Skippy (TMC Trailers), Isaac Savage (Orix) 3. Jane Roberts (Office Max), Paul Blackler (Mike Pero), Lila Schriek (City Care).4. Paul Black (Above the Line Trust), Jamie Patterson (Influence).

Nicky Wagner, the MP for Christchurch Central, held her monthly Birdseye View on the rebuild for the women of Christchurch at Baileys real estate.

1. Shirley Anne Pearce, Agnes White2. Sara Templeton, Helen Gatonyi3. Nicky Wagner, Helen McLeod4. Deborah McCormick, Nicky Wagner, Nicola Olds.5. Jackie Moore, Nicola Nolet.6. Wendy Kennedy, Helen Denize.7. Yvonne Densem, Ross Crossland.

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Riccaraton Park was the venue for the famous boot party on the Saturday of Cup and Show week. The fun day saw glamorous fashion, fine food, bubbles, racing and a number of corporate events.

1. Kereama & Lynda Carmody2. Fred Bull, Caroline Jones3. Sophie Harsent, Chris Anderson4. Maryanne Jackson and George5. Murray and Adrienne Francis, Virginia Scott6. Michelle Anderson, Annabelle Judd 7. Marilyn Austin, Suzanne Bell8. Leah & Virginia Scott.

1. Amanda Savage & Helene Monteva (Silvermoon)2. Eileen Irvine (Omarino Wine Park )3. Carolyn Allison, Suzy Anderson 4. Rebecca Skene, Craig Woolhouse (Zeald).


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The annual Christmas function for Edward Gibbon was held at their Kingsley St warehouse, which again saw a huge turnout of clients to sample the amazing seafood and roast meat spread.

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Civil Contractors New Zealand and Roading New Zealand where hosted by Orix at the Baretta Bar and Restaurant.

The annual Camper Care NZ Motorhome & Caravan show again saw a big turnout, both inside and outside, at Horncastle Arena. There was a large number of exhibitors from all over New Zealand, as well overseas, showing off the latest models.

1. Chris Newcombe (Road Metals), Helea Codllan, Dan Francis, Simona Kraberger, Murray Francis2. Dan & the girls of Road Metals3. Jason Seaward (Synco Staff), Isaac Savage (Orix), Nic McClennan (AB Equipment)4. Hamish Wright (CCL), Dan Fracis, Chris Newcombe, Robert Gutry (Independent Equipment), Nic McLennan (AB Equipment)5. Issac & Jason (Orix), Derek Tyson (Total Lubricants), Mark Falconer (Total)6. Jono Rose & Hamish Wright (CCL), Nic McClennan & AJ (AB Equipment)7. Mark Gerken, Kate Byrne, Megan Blakely, Jane Roberts, Wendy Gerken (Isaac)8. Jordan Buchanan (Stellar Recruitment), Woody Blakely (Blackley Construction).

1. Lucy Halligan, Kenna Sugrue (Top 10 Holiday Parks)2. Katrina Fahey,Trevor Loomis (Forrest Wines)3. Kay Parker (Iconic Motor Homes)4. Kevin Newton (RV & Marine Suppliers, Hamilton)5. Eric Hamilton, Terry & Joshua Smith6. Rob Vertogen, Joshua Smith, Mary Hamilton, Michael Becker (Smart RV )7. Darren Marshall (Ned Kelly)8. Simon Payne (Interislander), Clive Greenwood (SafeBottle).

been seenThe people, their faces and all the right places - Canterbury

Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

If you have an event that youd like covered, email Lynne (Canterburys been

seen representative) on: [email protected]

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The newly open Engineers bar upstairs in St Asph St played host to The Radio Network Christmas party for clients and staff.

1. Danny & Rebecca (Devon Construction), Dave Gaughan (Golden Eagle Brewery)2. Anne Attenborough, Jean Rayn, Renee Tuhi (Cant Removals)3. Angela Silvester, Denise, Carol Brown4. Olivia Connelloy, Sokolai Krasniqi, Steve Hutchison (Hutchison Ford), Steve & Sue Waring (Simply Heat)5. Darren Leeds, Graham Payne (Dsign IQ ltd), Greg Cassidy.6. Marie Jardine, Elgan, Frances Adank (SCIRT), Chris Hutching (National Business Review)7. Tim Dyer, Julie & Mark Brown8. Sharon & Carl (Canterbury Equestrian)

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1. Wilson McKenzie (McKenzie Drainage), Leighton (Edward Gibbon), Willie Marshall (Haase Marshall).2. Karen Owen, Sherrill Harsent, Jacqui Williams, Libby Jarvis, Lesley Storm3. Dean Binns, Sven Johnson (Plumb Right)4. Barbara Meyer, Murray Knowles, Paula Hoskin.5. Carol Peray (Eurotech Windows), Gordon Salt (CDHB), Bev & Murray Heald (Healds Plumbing)6. Carol Hannagan (Strategy Law & Mediation).7. Marcus Van Klink (Universal Plumbers), Simon & Graeme Sanders (Today Homes).8. Taylor Scott, Anita Matheson (Universal Plumbers).


News |Cover story

Shear determinationIts par for the course these days for businesses worldwide to obsess about maximising profits, while at the same time saving the environment and giving consumers everything they ever asked for.


But when a company actually achieves this, or something exceedingly close, then you know it has a formula worth taking note of; step up Icebreaker.

The brainchild of Cantabrian Jeremy Moon, Icebreaker was formed out of the desire to build something purposeful.

As a leading design and manufacturer of high performance merino wool base layers

and outdoor clothing, the company is serving the environment, meeting peoples needs and just happened to go some way to pulling New Zealands merino wool industry from the brink of bankruptcy.

Davina Richards talks to Jeremy Moon about his company and the desire to make a difference.


News |Cover story

For Jeremy, building Icebreaker was never about self interest, it was about tapping into the potential of a quality New Zealand material, but doing so with green fingers so to speak.

Were committed to building an energetic, ethical company that puts our customers and environment first, Jeremy says.

Starting Icebreaker wasnt a decision, it was a feeling based on my love for New Zealand, adventure and our merino wool. It felt totally intuitive and was more like a leap of faith to bring it all together. It was actually liberating taking responsibility for it - kind of like a sense of being in control of my own destiny.

Established in 1994 and now headquartered in Auckland, Icebreaker supplies clothing to more than 5,000 stores in 50 countries and has a global network of TouchLab company-owned retail stores throughout New Zealand, Australia and in major international cities like New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Chicago and Vancouver.

The companys 24th location recently opened in Ponsonby, Auckland. Holding the fibres of the company together, so to speak, is a core team in New Zealand, Portland, Oregon, Vancouver B.C. Canada, and Starnberg, Germany, leading the business and 430 staff spread out across the globe.

We have four values that define us - authentic, adventurers, achievers and were very passionate. We believe that merino is the ultimate technical fibre and we believe in the power of nature and the benefit to humanity when we connect with it. The types of people that share these beliefs are normally a hell of a lot of fun.

Leading the flockIcebreaker was formed on intuition and Jeremy tries his best to ensure that all decisions are shaped by his instinct and the influential people he surrounds himself with, such as Noel Todd and Peter Travers.

Ive been fortunate to have two amazing directors who were with me for the first 18 years of Icebreaker. They were formative in the creation of Icebreaker and have been wonderful mentors for me. They both retired last year as they werent getting any younger and encouraged me to find new directors, Jeremy says.

Suffice to say, Jeremy appointed Rob Fyfe as the new CEO of Icebreaker in May, while he himself stepped into the executive chairman of the board and creative director position. Rob had already served as executive chairman for Icebreaker for nine months and has been on the board since 2012. A new office in Auckland opened in November and 30 new roles have been created under the inspiring leadership of Rob.

Rob and I have a true partnership approach to Icebreaker, and work very closely together. Hes an amazing CEO and brings out the best in people. Im a naturally curious and creative person and having Rob as CEO lets me focus at a higher level on the vision and purpose for the company, knowing Rob is using his strong CEO skills to bring out the real potential of our people and organisation.

This new structure has also allowed me to follow my passion around design, branding and product creation, and I think we still have huge potential.

He refers to his other passion, Better by Design, a business which brings design thinking into New Zealand export-focussed companies and to help them evolve and thrive on an international level. He has been the founding chairman since it started nine years ago. This is my way of sharing the positive learning and

experiences Ive had within Icebreaker across other New Zealand businesses.

In addition to chairing Better by Design, he also works with business schools such as Harvard Business School and the University of Otago, and occasionally mentors people whose passion inspires him.

First stepsJumping back to when Jeremys love affair with merino wool first started, and when he instigated Icebreaker in 1994, he wanted to make merino wool thermal underwear for sports, but merino wool fabrics didnt even exist.

So it was up to a 24 year old Jeremy to learn how to make them. With no experience in the apparel business, he admits he made plenty of mistakes.

In our first production run we had sleeves that were four inches too short because the garments shrunk after the batch of fabric was cut, but because youre living on a knife edge there is always a way and I got my money back when we sold those as a range of kids clothing, he says.

In the second batch the white garments turned yellow, so you can imagine it was just one disaster after another. Eventually I ran out of mistakes to make and thats when things started getting fun.

Every two to three years Icebreaker goes through a radical metamorphosis due to how it responds to internal or external

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