Connections Still Important For Investment Decisions


Insight and foresight have a vital role to play in making the best investment decisions despite the growth of big data, a meeting hosted by the New Zealand Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (NZVCA) at the Auckland offices of Chapman Tripp heard this week (25th August).

Colin McKinnon, NZVCA Executive Director says: `This workshop aimed to look at how businesses can gain market intelligence and read between the lines for better investment decisions. Sophisticated investors are using new tools for data analysis and scenario simulation to develop insight for private capital investment origination and due diligence. Demographic changes can diminish the value of historic data for predicting future outcomes. But armed with an understanding of the cognitive decision process of individuals along with an ability to “crunch” a big amount of data, investors can provide foresight on customer behaviour across many products and services. But it was fascinating to hear that old fashioned personal connection still has its place. PE managers are still looking for on-the-ground, in-market expertise and want to speak with the right person.’

The meeting heard that resources such as the Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) expert network provide relevant personal connections that give investors introductions to people whose experience and expertise are important references to making the best business decisions.

Charlie Ross of GLG says its network includes 450,000 experts worldwide and although conversations are personal and direct there is anonymity for the enquirer.

Matthew Houtman of Pioneer Capital, explains that GLG had introduced relevant experts to help a portfolio company validate a critical strategy by providing access to experts in the field and close to potential customers.
Michelle and Don Perugini, Analytics & Enterprise Intelligence, EY, add that big data and cloud computing are used to build simulation models to predict consumer behaviour, and that the psychology of the consumer was at the heart of the modelling. They point out that the Simulait model is based on the concept that cognitive decision process of individuals is unchanged and that human behaviour is driven by changing content and external influences.
They note that by integrating access to huge data resources and a model of consumer decision-making, it is possible to make accurate predictions about future consumer behaviour. These tools can help design products and marketing strategies for significant revenue gain or cost saving.

Contact:
Colin McKinnon, Executive Director,
New Zealand Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, New Zealand
NZVCA
+64 27 640 6406

Topcare Shortlisted for Customer Service Award


Topcare, the south Auckland kindergarten group has made the shortlist for Excellence in Customer Service Delivery in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2015 – South.

Topcare founder Jackie Hui says: `We’re thrilled that the hard work of our dedicated team has been recognised. Our aim at Topcare is to make a real difference to our children’s lives by providing top quality care and education in the finest facilities anywhere in South Auckland.’

Christine Yi and Jackie Hui pleased to be on the shortlist
The Early Childhood Learning specialist, has recently opened a new centre providing pre-school care and education for children age two – five years of age at state of the art premises in Portage Road, Papatoetoe, South Auckland.

The new centre is modelled on the highly popular Topcare Early Childhood Learning Centre at Evelyn Street, Papatoetoe and will cater for up to 55 children.

Topcare founder, Jackie Hui has over 20 years of international experience in early childhood education. She studied for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education at the Manukau Institute of Technology and later graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland.  

In 2008 she opened the first of the Topcare Early Childhood Learning Centres, which has been highly successful with parents and shortlisted for a number of awards. This year Jackie gained her Masters of Educational Leadership.

Jackie says: `What we are building at Topcare is a new model of excellence in New Zealand early childhood education. My educational philosophy is founded on the strength of the relationships between the children, parents and staff built on Trust, Security, Respect, Caring and having fun. I really believe that children learn best when the teachers and parents work together and the children are engaged in experiences that are stimulating and interesting.

‘Topcare practices reflect the multicultural heritage of New Zealand’s community. Topcare’s mission is to educate our children to be the leaders of the future. We treat our tamariki with passion, love and knowledge.’

Topcare, 99 Portage Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland, 
Description: http://www.devol.co.nz/topcare/wp-content/themes/kindergarten/images/sep2.png+Tel: 09- 278 2733

Topcare, 14 Evelyn Street, Papatoetoe, Auckland,
Description: http://topcare.co.nz/wp-content/themes/kindergarten/images/sep2.png+Tel: 09-2782788 

Description: http://www.devol.co.nz/topcare/wp-content/themes/kindergarten/images/sep3.png contact@topcare.co.nz