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.