Carving out change: Ricoh Pandemic Pivot
What do you do when all your business instantly stops? For one Christchurch business, Moko Pounamu, it meant completely changing business models and moving from a wholesaler of beautiful greenstone and bone carvings – to a retailer. The greenstone and bone carving specialists have supplied beautiful New Zealand keepsakes for the country’s souvenir gift […]
All in the family: North Canterbury Energy Centre
It has built its reputation as being one of the most trusted names in cooling and heating solutions because it is a family owned and operated business dedicated to delivering a high standard of customer service. North Canterbury Energy Centre (NCEC) is headed by Tracey and Joanne Brown, with sons, Joshua and Jarrad, […]
Do you need Devine intervention? Michael Devine Insurance
Independent and professional advice. That’s what clients receive when they discuss their insurance needs with Michael Devine. WHAT TO YOU PERSONALLY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR WORK? “It’s forming strong personal relationships with clients so they know they can trust us and the insurance solutions we develop for them. A real […]
Local business stories on show
Stories of hospitality, social enterprise, horticulture, healthcare, tech and art are amongst those shared as part of a campaign which highlighting business growth in Waitaha Canterbury recently. Westpac and the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce’s Canterbury Business Champions campaign is a digital evolution of the organisation’s annual Westpac Champion Business Awards. People were […]
The business of discovery: The Vintro Room
The excitement of the chase and discovering unique and collectable pieces is what drives Maddie Hatton who opened her shop, The Vintro Room, just two weeks before the country went into lockdown. “The timing wasn’t great,” says Maddie. “And I admit I had my doubts about whether we could make this work, but […]
Getting down to business: NAI Harcourts
For many, 2020 has proven to be a gamechanger, with lockdown providing the opportunity for a lifestyle reassessment. “We’re finding a lot of people are looking for employment alternatives,” NAI Harcourts Grenadier Business Sales Manager Athol McCully says. “They may have gone through lockdown and reassessed, they’ve lost their job and they’re looking to […]
Thinc-ing big
Artificial Intelligence, aerospace technology and acid recycling are some of the local Canterbury business startups benefitting from a recent partnership between the University of Canterbury and economic development agency, ChristchurchNZ. ThincLab is a startup incubator at UC’s Centre of Entrepreneurship (UCE) and part of Callaghan Innovation’s Founder Incubator, focusing on propelling locally grown […]
Best business resources
These last few months have been tough for everyone. But it’s arguably our local small to medium enterprises that have felt the strain of quarantine the most. Thankfully, there are some resources available for support and we’ve collated a list of places you can go for help, advice or support. CANTERBURY EMPLOYERS’ CHAMBER OF […]
The go-to for real estate advice: Mike Pero Fendalton
Mike Pero Fendalton is your local go-to for real estate questions. “It’s great when people come in with their queries. We love that they know they won’t be ‘pounced on’ and that there is no expectation they are here to list,” Co-Owner Jacqui McBride says. Established in Fendalton Village for four years, the […]
COVID’s impact on business
More than 63 percent of respondents to a recent survey of Canterbury businesses are reporting significant financial impacts from COVID-19. More than 21 percent are citing moderate impact, with more than 7 percent citing minor impact. The data was gathered as part of a survey distributed to local businesses last month, during Alert Level […]
