NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS MENTORS START WORK IN THE PACIFIC

The first New Zealand volunteers taking part in the new Pacific Islands Business Mentoring Programme have started work in the Cook Islands. Five mentors from Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) arrived in Rarotonga this month.

The Cook Islands is the first of 11 Pacific island countries to be included in the BMNZ managed project over the next three years with funding provided by New Zealand’s Aid Programme.

The programme aims to assist small and medium sized businesses in the Pacific to manage and grow their businesses in a way that supports sustained increases in production and employment over time. It is hoped the programme will be a catalyst for identifying other business needs such as training, and create opportunities for partnerships and joint ventures, and increased Pacific exports, including to New Zealand.

Teresa Manarangi-Trott, Vice President of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, the BMNZ agent for the scheme says: `We have had an incredible response from businesses wanting to be mentored since the Chamber began promoting the BMNZ programme. A huge difficulty for companies here is that they don’t have the support and business knowledge available that they need but which New Zealand mentors will be able to provide. We do recognise that business mentoring is essential to help our economy stand on its own feet.’

Ray Schofield, Business Mentors New Zealand CEO adds: ‘Experienced Independent NZ business mentors bring a fresh perspective and approach to analysing existing business performance and opportunities in what are naturally very small business communities. Often the range of expertise provided by the NZ mentors is simply not available in these countries.

'Te situation in the Pacific over recent times has seen many business owners not knowing how to cope in what has become a very challenging business environment. Many lack the experience to get through it which is where a business mentor can be a real asset.’

Prime Minister John Key announced the development of the new Pacific Business Mentoring Programme last year to provide practical support for Pacific businesses, explaining: ‘Many of the Pacific business people I have met recently have told me how useful it would be for them to have greater access to business advice and mentoring from New Zealand.’

Countries benefiting from the BMNZ Pacific Islands Mentoring Programme include the Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tokelau.

BUSINESS MENTORS NZ AND TOWER INSURANCE WARN WINTER COULD SPELL TROUBLE FOR UNDERINSURED KIWI BUSINESSES

Entering winter without adequate insurance could be putting Kiwi businesses at risk, warns TOWER Insurance, one of the country’s oldest providers, and not-for-profit mentoring organisation, Business Mentors New Zealand.

According to Julian Lough, National Manager - Commercial Sales at TOWER Insurance, a Business Mentor’s Patron, winter can present businesses with a wide range of seasonal problems. New Zealand companies that are underinsured or don’t have the right insurance could find themselves caught out and footing a substantial bill.

‘In most industries, winter can present a business with a unique set of issues,’ explains Julian. ‘Nationwide storms are a common problem throughout the wetter months, potentially causing millions of dollars of damage to buildings, stock and equipment. The effects of wild weather, such as blocked roads, landslips and closed airports can also have an impact on a company’s income and ability to operate. In some cases, the business can’t function at all until the problems have been resolved.’

Julian recommends business owners talk to an experienced business insurance provider to check whether their current policy provides cover for such scenarios over the coming months. Julian particularly highlights the importance of having business interruption insurance in addition to cover for business assets.

‘It is important to check that your business insurance covers such disasters as flooding and wind damage,’ says Julian. ‘Don’t just assume that you are covered. Read through your policy so you understand exactly what level of protection you have. If you or your insurance provider spot any areas where you could be vulnerable, sort them out now.’

‘It is essential that companies buy the right type and amount of insurance and update their policies annually to include business improvements, major purchases and refurbishments,’ adds Julian. ‘That way you can help avoid nasty surprises this winter, if the unthinkable does happen.’
For more information on Business Mentors New Zealand, visit their newly updated website

CARE CHEMIST SUPPORTS WORLD SMOKEFREE DAY WITH CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT LINK BETWEEN SMOKING AND POOR ORAL HEALTH

Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, has launched a ‘Save Your Smile’ campaign, in partnership with national dental network Lumino The Dentists, to focus attention on the link between smoking and poor oral health.

As part of the smoking cessation campaign, Care Chemist customers will be able to take vouchers printed in this month’s Care Chemist brochure to a participating Lumino The Dentists practice. In return, they will receive a free gum health check and a 10% discount on any subsequent treatments completed within three months.

The initiative which will run throughout May has been organised to tie in with World Smokefree Day which is celebrated on Monday, 31st May.

'We all know that smoking is bad for your overall health but less people are aware that cigarettes can have a significant impact on their smile,’ explains Care Chemist CEO, Nicolette McDonald. ‘Research has shown that oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, bone loss, facial wrinkling and gum recession can all be unfortunate side effects of smoking. Recent studies have also shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development progression of periodontal disease.’

'Tooth loss is another consequence which can have an enormous impact on a person’s self confidence and appearance,’ adds Nicolette. ‘According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3% of daily smokers over 65 are toothless.’

Care Chemist will also be using specially designed prescription bags during May that carry the smoking cessation message as part of their support of World Smokefree Day. The message highlights the importance of being a good role model and emphasises how children who see a parent smoking are more likely to pick up the habit.

Individuals wishing to stop smoking are encouraged to talk to their local Care Chemist, who will be able to give them advice on natural remedies and over the counter products to aid in their recovery.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit their website.

LUMINO THE DENTISTS TEAMS UP WITH CARE CHEMIST TO EDUCATE KIWIS ON EFFECT SMOKING CAN HAVE ON THEIR SMILE

Lumino The Dentists, New Zealand’s largest dental healthcare organisation, has teamed up with community pharmacy group, Care Chemist to launch a nationwide ‘Save Your Smile’ campaign.

The aim of the initiative is to bring attention to the negative impact smoking can have on oral health.

As part of the smoking cessation campaign, Lumino The Dentists vouchers will be printed in this month’s Care Chemist brochure. Care Chemist customers will be able to take the vouchers to any participating Lumino the Dentists practice. In return, they will receive a free gum health check and a 10% discount on any subsequent treatments completed within three months.

The initiative which will run throughout May has been organised to tie in with World Smokefree Day which is celebrated on Monday, 31st May.

‘Most New Zealanders are aware that smoking can cause some serious illnesses, such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease. However it is less widely known that smoking is a leading cause of oral health problems explains Dr Allen Baker, clinical advisory board chairman at Lumino The Dentists: ‘Smoking not only causes obvious tooth discolouration but also increases plaque and tartar build up which causes gum disease resulting in early tooth loss.’

‘We’re really pleased to be involved with the ‘Save Your Smile’ campaign,’ adds Dr Baker. ‘Hopefully, by spreading the word about how smoking can leave you with an unhealthy, unattractive smile, along will all of the other health consequences, more people will think twice about picking up that next cigarette.’

For more information on Lumino The Dentists and a list of participating practices visit their website.

MORE SMES TURNING TO MENTORING TO HELP THEM THROUGH RECESSION REPORTS NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION, BUSINESS MENTORS NEW ZEALAND

According to the latest figures from Business Mentors New Zealand, the nation’s number one not-for-profit mentoring organisation, more SMEs are seeing the value an experienced volunteer mentor can add to their business.

Between 1st April 2009 and 31st March 2010, 2,385 new clients applied for a mentor. Volunteer mentors carried out 8, 972 mentoring sessions, a 44% increase on the previous year.

‘Over the past decade, prior to the world wide recession, most companies experienced buoyant and benign business conditions,’ explains Ray Schofield, Business Mentors New Zealand CEO. ‘However, the last 18 months have seen many business owners not knowing how to cope in what has become a very challenging business environment. Many lack the experience to get through it which is where a business mentor can be a real asset.’

‘The feedback we’ve had from clients is that they really appreciate the unique opportunity to tap into somebody else’s knowledge,’ adds Ray. ‘A mentor can also act as an impartial third party. Often people, especially those that work in the business as well as owning it, get so close to the company that they are unable to see aspects which are weak and need improvement, as well as areas of opportunity. A mentor can help them step back and see things in a fresh light.’

In addition to the growth figures, it has been revealed that clients are happier than ever with the service. Latest client satisfaction survey results show that overall satisfaction (good/excellent ratings) has climbed to a noteworthy high of 80%
‘These figures go to show that our efforts to provide an increasingly high quality mentoring service are not going unnoticed,’ says Ray. ‘Our aim for 2010 and beyond is to keep improving the standard of mentoring our 1600+ mentors and 15 agents are providing throughout the country. We are definitely focusing on quality over quantity.’

Business Mentors New Zealand was established in 1991. It is funded largely by patrons from the private sector, with additional support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. It provides a mentoring service to businesses that have been operating for at least six months and is the owner’s main source of income. A registration fee of $100 + GST applies, which entitles businesses to use the mentoring service for two years. This is the only cost – the mentoring received is free.
For more information on Business Mentors visit http://www.businessmentors.org.nz/

FOCUS ON BEST CUSTOMERS KEY TO RETAIL GROWTH IN NEW ZEALAND ACCORDING TO GLOBAL EXPERTS

Strategies to win and retain best customers are vital if New Zealand retailers are to recover from the economic downturn, according to TCC, the designers of the world’s leading sales enhancement programmes.

TCC is hosting an invitation-only gathering of New Zealand retail heads in Auckland next week. The private briefing on board the headline making super yacht Big Fish, currently moored in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, will outline some of the latest international initiatives in retail marketing. The meeting comes at the close of Retail Australia 2010, a two day conference and industry expo focusing on key issues for the region’s retail industry.

Richard Beattie, CEO of TCC explains: `The retail industry faces many challenges and new opportunities. With customers increasingly shopping around today, securing maximum share of spend is a real challenge. Growing and retaining best customers is at the heart of what we do and is something that has not been at the forefront of marketing in New Zealand recently. Over the past two decades, TCC has partnered with many of the world’s leading retailers, successfully delivering concrete and measurable increases in revenue and market share.’

The need to ensure customer satisfaction and the ability to deliver the right products at the right time requires skilful management coupled with innovative new technology. The New Zealand Retailers Association and the New Zealand Retail Interior Association have called on retailers to be more customer centric pointing out that today more than ever, retailers are faced with the task of enhancing their operations with ongoing upgrading investment in both innovative store design that enables a world class ambient in-store experience for customers whilst simultaneously upgrading their IT and management techniques to pass to their customers a relaxed and customer friendly in – store retail shopping experience.

Big Fish, is a unique 45 metre Luxury Expedition Vessel (LEV), and the first in a range of a new class of steel hulled adventure yachts worth more than $100 million to the Auckland economy.

Built for Aquos Yachts by McMullen & Wing at its Tamaki-side boat yard in Mount Wellington, Big Fish will complete sea trials in June before setting off for an historic global circumnavigation.

Aquos Yachts was set up by Richard Beattie to develop a line of ecologically-focused world cruising vessels. A number of overseas yards chased the contract to build the new range of LEVs, but Mr Beattie chose to build the super yachts in Auckland.

Further information:
Peter Boyes, BPR: 0275 540 500 peter@boyespr.co.nz

About TCC www.tcc.global.com

TCC designs programmes that increase total store sales by improving frequency, average transaction levels and other crucial KPI’s. TCC is a world-leader operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, working with over 250 retailers, predominantly in the grocery and petroleum sectors Over the past two decades, TCC has partnered with many of the world’s leading retailers, successfully delivering concrete and measurable increases in revenue and market share. TCC, changed its name from The Continuity Company earlier this year, to reflect the broader range of retail solutions it now offers.

ANDREW SIMMS EUROPEAN IN THE NZ HERALD TODAY

We were very pleased to see Andrew Simms European in the NZ Herald today. These guys did a great job, raising over $17k for NZ children's cancer charity- Camp Quality.

The French-themed ticket-only event featured a live interview with six-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb and his team-mate Spanish driver Danni Sordo.

Albert Llovera, the only paraplegic in the WRC, also attended and was interviewed on stage.

A range of autographed rally memorabilia was auctioned including Red Bull model Citroen rally cars and special edition Citroen WRC team T-shirts autographed by Loeb.

One of the highest bids of the night was for a day with the Andrew Simms Mitsubishi rally team, which went for $1200.

Click here for the full story

CARE CHEMIST HILL PARK GOES PINK TO HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION

Care Chemist Hill Park in Manurewa has been decorated pink to bring attention to the dangers of breast cancer and the benefits of early detection through regular breast screening. A special window display has been created, banners have been put up and educational flyers are being handed out in store.

Kathy Maxwell, owner of Care Chemist Hill Park, hopes that the campaign will encourage more individuals to consider having a screening exam every two years, as recommended by the National Screening Unit.

'Breast cancer is still the most common cancer among New Zealand women,’ explains Kathy. ‘According to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 2,600 new cases are expected this year. If these cases are spotted early and treated accordingly, these women will have a much greater chance of surviving.’

Kathy is also hoping to reach Maori, South Asian and Pacific Island women who are at a much greater risk of dying from breast cancer than non-Maori. Maori women have an 8% higher incidence of breast cancer while Pacific Island women are 54% more likely to die from breast cancer than other women in this country.

'One of the reasons behind these higher figures is the low rate of attendance by Maori, South Asian and Pacific Island women for screening mammograms,’ says Kathy. ‘Hopefully, campaigns like this one will get women thinking and emphasise how vital getting a regular exam is. Anxiety is natural before an exam but the reassurance it will give you and your family makes it more than worthwhile.’

The breast screening campaign is part of a list of initiatives carried out by Care Chemist to educate communities around New Zealand on various aspects of healthcare.

‘We really want to make a difference to our local area. That is why we decided to get involved with raising awareness of breast cancer and regular screening,’ says Kathy. ‘We are already getting people coming in and asking about the initiative which is great to see.’

A number of other outlets in the Hill Park Shopping Centre are participating in the pink campaign. The initiative was organised by a group of businesswomen in the area, along with BreastScreen Aotearoa, New Zealand’s national breast screening programme.

For more information on Care Chemist, click here

For further details on BreastScreen Aotearoa, click here

WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONS HELP ANDREW SIMMS EUROPEAN RAISE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR NZ CHILDREN’S CANCER CHARITY

Over $17,000 was raised for children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, last week when international rally drivers attended an exclusive event at Andrew Simms European to celebrate the New Zealand arrival of the 2010 World Rally Championship (WRC).

The French themed ticket only event featured a live interview by Brian Kelly with six times world rally champion Sébastien Loeb and Spanish rally driver, Danni Sordo. Albert Llovera, the only paraplegic in the WRC, also attended and was interviewed live on stage. Andrew Simms Mitsubishi’s own rally team was also present & Chris was interviewed on stage.

A range of autographed rally memorabilia was auctioned including Red Bull model Citroen rally cars and special edition Citroen WRC team t-shirts, autographed by Sébastien Loeb. One of the highest bids of the night was for a day with the Andrew Simms Mitsubishi rally team, which went for $1200.

Andrew Simms says: `The event was a great success. It was an honour to be able to host some of the greatest rally drivers of our time, and to share that experience with our guests. I am also very proud of the efforts that went into raising an impressive donation for children’s charity, Camp Quality. It is fantastic to know that we have been able to support a really good cause as well as celebrating the WRC in New Zealand.’

FIRST VESSEL IN $100+ MILLION INVESTMENT IN AUCKLAND ECONOMY ARRIVES AT VIADUCT HARBOUR

Big Fish, a unique 45 metre Luxury Expedition Vessel (LEV), and the first in a range of a new class of steel hulled adventure yachts worth more than $100 million to the Auckland economy, has arrived at the Viaduct Harbour for final fitting out.

Built for Aquos Yachts by McMullen & Wing at its Tamaki-side boat yard in Mount Wellington, Big Fish will complete sea trials in June before setting off for an historic global circumnavigation.

Aquos Yachts was set up by Hong Kong-based Australian businessman Richard Beattie to develop a line of high-volume, ecologically-focused world cruising vessels. A number of overseas yards chased the contract to build the new range of LEVs, but Mr Beattie chose to build the super yachts in Auckland.

Mr Beattie, CEO of TCC, the global leader in retail marketing programmes, explains: `You cannot fail to be inspired by what New Zealanders have achieved in producing this very special boat. Innovations include the first granite deck and the only 25' X 12' HD video wall of its kind outside the White House.’

Prior to leaving Auckland Big Fish will host a private gathering of NZ retail heads being held to celebrate Kiwi innovation and explore the vision that has made Aquos and TCC world beaters in their own field.

Mr Beattie adds: ‘As a believer in limitless horizons, I founded Aquos Yachts to change the face of ocean yachting. We have succeeded. Big Fish is the world's most eco-conscious yacht and she’s about to commence a history-making voyage to become the first vessel ever to complete a Polar Circumnavigation, including the first yacht transit of the fabled Northeast Passage.’

Three years in construction Big Fish combines the best attributes of a safe, strong and capable long-range motor yacht with the comfort, stability and amenities of a traditional 'white' yacht. The five-stateroom vessel and carries a crew of 10. She features floor-to-ceiling windows in salon, dining area and master suite, opening bulwarks port and starboard for an infinity-view dining experience, and opening port and starboard stern bulwarks that create the widest swim platform of any yacht under 65 metres. Big Fish carries a 29-foot custom aluminium long-range dive/exploration/fishing tender, offers active hull stabilization, and a full complement of expedition equipment including a pair of matched Laser sailboats.

McMullen & Wing has already started work on a second vessel for Aquos Yachts to be called Star Fish.

Further information:
Peter Boyes, BPR: 0275 540 500 peter@boyespr.co.nz

About Aquos Yachts www.aquosyachts.com
Aquos Yachts is a dynamic new force in the super yacht industry. Re-defining design and construction processes at every step of the way, Aquos focuses on delivering an inspirational new vision for luxury yachts. Leading-edge innovations and a passion for contemporary design combine to create projects of global prominence and repute.

About TCC www.tcc.global.com
TCC designs programmes that increase total store sales by improving frequency, average transaction levels and other crucial KPI’s. TCC is a world-leader operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, working with over 250 retailers, predominantly in the grocery and petroleum sectors Over the past two decades, TCC has partnered with many of the world’s leading retailers, successfully delivering concrete and measurable increases in revenue and market share.