Connect The Bay’s Online Business Magazine
October 2013
Latest Business News
Events
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BuildingBetterBusiness Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 1
In This Issue Connect
Up close and personal - with Larry Bilodeau Page ........... 6
OCTOBER 2013
Networking - the Do's and Don'ts Page .............. 4
Get Paid app Page ............ 9
We’re good for yOu tm
C3 Ltd Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Ltd DNZ Property Group Ltd Electionz.com Farmer Auto Village Ford Fulton Hogan
Lock-It Data Risk Management Mills Reef Winery Port of Tauranga Sanford Ltd Sign Creations Ltd Tulloch Photography ZESPRI International Ltd
Chamber of Commerce Tauranga Smart Business Centre 65 Chapel Street Tauranga 3110 Ph: (64) 7 577 9823 Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 2
Connect
Welcome to Connect Welcome to the third edition of Connect Magazine. It’s been a busy month for the Chamber with plenty of networking events, training seminars and other activities. This issue features business leader Larry Bilodeau CEO of Ballance Agri-Nutrients. Ballance hosted the last Business After Five event where members enjoyed an entertaining presentation and convivial atmosphere. We learned what an immense contribution this $900m co-operative makes to New Zealand and we are very fortunate that their head office is located here in Tauranga city.
The presentation was shared by the immediate past President of the Chamber, Warwick de Vere and Terry Smith, who reinforced how important manufacturing is to our economy. Too many school leavers don’t foresee their future careers will be in sectors such as manufacturing and the trades, and we need to change that perception. We need to encourage them to value STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) type careers because they add so much to our economy. From a purely pragmatic viewpoint, they are likely to make more money and be more in demand than the thousands of young job seekers with qualifications less valued by employers.
SPECIAL OFFER Join or rejoin as a member of the Tauranga Chamber before Friday 29 November 2013 and go in the draw to win a new Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 mini phone to the value of $799.00 RRP**. For more information on membership contact Dave Simon, Member Relations Manager on 577 8953 or Dave@tauranga.org.nz
iOS7 Need some tips?
Remember to diarise 1 November which is the date of the Westpac Tauranga Business Awards. It’s always an inspiring evening where the best companies and people are recognised for their hard work, talent and success.
Best regards Max Mason CEO
Join today & win a e n o h p t r Sma
ATTN iPhone users! Have you figured out IOS7 Apple’s new operating system? Fancy some good tips? To find out more click here. Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 3
Westpac Tauranga Business Awards Friday 1 November 2013 - lock this date in your diaries now! The Westpac Tauranga Business Awards is on and what an awards show this year will be. Come and celebrate local business at the premier black tie event of the year. For more information and to book tickets please contact the events team on 577 8955 or events@tauranga.org.nz
Exporting increasing our GDP is essential for NZ’s prosperity
Exporters in the Bay of Plenty have never been better supported. There are various organisations working together and offering support and programmes to help exporters succeed: • ExportNZ Bay of Plenty provides practical export programmes and forums, and networking within the vibrant export community • The BOP Regional Partnership offers capability building assistance for companies having difficulties or wanting to grow • The Tauranga Chamber of Commerce manage the export certification and provide programmes and networking for all businesses • The NZTE 0800 555 888 number is there to give advice on specific export questions and will refer you on to others in the NZTE team where applicable. There is no wrong door, so by engaging in any one of these options, you will be directed to the others when needed. Angela Wallace Executive Officer ExportNZ Bay of Plenty www.exportnewzealand.org.nz Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 4
Business Community Canvassed on Council The key points As part of the run up to the 2013 Local Body elections a series of candidates’ forums were held which, combined with a survey, gauged the mood of the business community. This series was a collaborative process between Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Priority One and Tourism Bay of Plenty.
Connect the city. Events, tourist attractions and cultural activities were important to the business community. There didn’t appear too much concern around debt.
The responses indicated a reasonably good understanding of what Council does now and certainly where they see Council focusing in the future. Good visionary governance was important.
And how could Tauranga City Council be more supportive of business needs? Responses were focused largely in the consents and planning area, solving challenges and reducing bureaucracy. There was a lot of support for Economic Development agencies, particularly in support of business and business attraction, with some mention of the importance of the Tertiary Campus development.
When asked to choose between low rates or investment back into the city, the result was overwhelming; 87% valued investment into
And did they think Local Government in the Bay of Plenty should be more unified? A clear “Yes” from more than 75% of the respondents.
NEW MEMBER PROFILE Our broad range of services includes temporary and permanent recruitment, flexible workforce management, master and managed vendor models, career transition, outsourcing and unbundled services.
Can you tell us about your business?
Can you tell us why you joined the Chamber?
The Adecco Group is the world’s leading HR solutions provider. We deliver recruitment and career services to organisations and individuals across the employment lifecycle.
We joined the local Chamber to broaden our knowledge and contacts locally and hopefully be able to build new relationships to service local businesses.
Networking - the Do’s and Don’ts Make sure you know the difference between sales prospecting and networking. The people who make a mad dash at you and immediately try selling you something, they are sales prospecting. Networking, on the other hand, is the art and science of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. So how do you do that? First of all, remember that everyone is just as nervous as you. Walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating, but armed with the right tips on how to network, you can survive. You must also consider the idea of “six degrees of separation”, which in a smaller city like Tauranga, can be reduced to two degrees. Someone will always know someone, so take that into consideration when you talk about someone unkindly!
Key points: • • • • • • • • •
Introduce yourself, ask more, talk less Remember a detail (i.e. children, work) Be proactive not reactive Practice Pre-event preparation – take your cards and a notepad Have four items to talk about – don’t include politics, money or religion Ask open-ended questions Look for verbal and physical clues Remember most importantly - it’s not about you, it’s about them!
Tips for employing summer staff By Kelly Hymers and Hester Sutherland-Stacey Summer is on its way and many of you will notice an increase in business. This is especially so in the Bay of Plenty, where horticulture and tourism boom over the summer months. People often ask us “how do I hire someone just for the summer”, “can I use a fixed term employment agreement” and “does the label even matter”? The basis on which extra staff-members are employed over the summer period (or any short term period) is important. If you are not careful you may find you have a permanent employee, even though you thought you had a “casual” or “fixed term” arrangement in place. The role of a “casual” employee is a common misconception. Strictly speaking a casual employee is offered work when work is available, ie the employee receives a call the night or the week before a period of possible work and is free to decline the work that is offered. In reality very few employees are ever casual. If a casual employee is placed on a roster and offered regular hours or a pattern of employment then, despite what an employment agreement says, the Employment Court may hold that the employee is not a “genuine casual” but a permanent staff member with the rights and entitlements of a permanent employee.
A fixed term employment agreement is an agreement that the employee will work for a fixed term, which will end on a specified date or period, or at the end of specified event or project. A fixed term agreement is beneficial to an employer because it can hire staff to cover a certain period, and once the work is complete, there is no legal obligation to retain the employee. Genuine reasons are required to use a fixed term arrangement, ie to cover another employee’s maternity leave or a particular project. However it can’t be used to exclude or limit the rights of an employee. The perils of getting a fixed term agreement wrong are highlighted in the case of Turner v Talley’s Group Limited [2013] NZEmpC 31. Mrs Turner was employed as a fish processor from 2001 until 2011. Her work varied depending on the season and each time she carried out a different job, she was provided with a new employment agreement. In 2011, Mrs Turner applied for further seasonal role but was not offered a position; her employment ended at the expiry of her then current “fixed term”.
were genuine reasons for consecutive fixed term agreements, as she worked continuously and was simply moved from product to product, albeit based on seasonal requirements. The Court held that Mrs Turner was a permanent employee and had been unjustifiably dismissed. So how do you protect your business, while still getting the staff that you need? The following are four simple tips for employing summer staff: 1. Identify your needs and the nature of the role (eg fixed term or casual); 2. Advise the potential employee of the nature of the employment; 3. Have a clear written (and signed) employment agreement; and 4. Stick to what is in writing. Casual and fixed term employees are great - just make sure you keep them this way.
While the Employment Court accepted that the work was seasonal, it did not accept that there
Hiring staff?
Start out on the right foot... Employee or contractor, casual, fixed term, or permanent part-time? It is important that you are clear from the start on how your relationship with the people working for your business or organisation will operate. This means choosing the appropriate legal form of relationship and making sure you have an up to date, written agreement to record its terms. Contact Hester or Kelly our Employment and Dispute Resolution solicitors on (07) 578 2099. www.clmlaw.co.nz
CLM/Ent/9.2013
Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 5
Business Leader Feature
Connect
Larry Bilodeau, CEO Ballance
demonstrate an ability to think “ Qualifications and work hard. It’s what you do with the qualifications that really matter, your ability to work with people, to ask questions, to see trends and act on your beliefs that is what really matters.
If you could have dinner with three influential people (dead or alive) who would they be?
John Lennon, Salvador Dali and Albert Einstein. How do you deal with stress and pressure in your role?
I enjoy it; seriously I have never found stress or pressure an issue for me, I just get on and do things. I like to be outdoors in my spare time, golfing and tramping and I find that to be a good way to unwind. What is your next career challenge after this one?
The next stage of my career will involve professional governance. I enjoy working with Boards to help set strategy and direction. It keeps you in touch with a lot of interesting people and you continue to learn. What are you most proud of (in life/work generally)?
In life a great family, Marie and two sons. We really enjoy each other’s company and that’s a great accomplishment. In work, obviously I am proud of my career success. I have learnt a lot, working with a great bunch of people and enjoy every minute. Have your qualifications been important in your career?
Only to get you in the door. Qualifications demonstrate an ability to think and work hard. It’s what you do with the qualifications that really matter, your ability to work with people, to ask questions, to see trends and act on your beliefs that is what really matters. What is the best part about your job? Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 6
Making a difference – helping feed the world. It’s tremendously gratifying and you interface with great people, employees, farmers and the agricultural sector who are all well-grounded practical people. Where do you see Tauranga in the next 10 to 15 years?
Tauranga will continue to grow. It’s a very attractive location with a great climate, beaches and all the amenities you could want without the congestion of Auckland. Employment opportunities will lead the population growth but with Ballance; the Port and the large businesses already here and the attractions of the region, it has great potential. If you could change anything in Tauranga what would it be?
To fully utilise all the city has to offer we need to embrace change. We need to build the infrastructure to support growth. We need to encourage more events and attractions to bring tourists in and keep the area interesting for young people. To do that we have to be willing to spend money. I would not want the city to only be the retirement destination for New Zealanders. What’s the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
Say what you mean, mean what you say. In other words be clear about what you are thinking and be honest. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Communicate: be very clear about what you expect from your team, when you want it done and why it is important. Maintain high standards,
expect people to meet those standards and tell them when they do AND when they don’t. What do you feel is a key element to having a successful team environment?
Having a shared objective or vision, having vigorous debate on how to achieve it and then complete buy-in on the path forward. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I honestly don’t think I gave it a lot of thought. Each experience or interest opened new doors and I just followed them. If you could have a super power what would it be?
To go back in time, correct past mistakes and make new ones. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
I worked for a couple of CEO’s who taught me how to think critically, the power of asking questions, challenging the status quo and always expecting continuous improvement in myself and the organisation. If you could have created anything in the world (i.e. invention, cure) what would it be?
Tolerance – for individual differences be it race, religion or whatever. Other than your current position what would be your dream job?
I think a lead role in “Top Gear” would do it for me.
Choose wisely and keep it local It’s that time of year when thousands of teenagers start the exam slog while on the countdown to leaving school – and parents start panicking about their babies fleeing the nest. Amongst the myriad of decisions these young people have to make is which tertiary provider to choose. For some it’s easy – they have a definite career path in mind, they have their provider of choice lined up and the Bank of Mum and Dad is sorted. For some however, it’s a lot more difficult. Most tertiary providers (whether they’re universities, polytechnics, wananga or private training providers) offer similar courses. That being the case, then it’s time to dig a little deeper and find out some key advantages of staying and studying locally. Top academics aren’t just employed by universities - Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s tutors are ranked amongst New Zealand’s best. In the last five years, three Polytechnic tutors have won awards for Excellence in Tertiary Education. That’s just behind the University of Waikato and Victoria University (both on four) and well ahead of Lincoln University and AUT (both on zero). Financially your average student is going to pay similar study fees no matter where they study. However, accommodation costs are where the budget can really blow out. A student studying at Otago University can expect to pay $12,882 for a 38 week year living in a Halls of Residence.
Auckland students can expect to pay $13,462. Staying local also means smaller class sizes. At the Polytechnic students are one of around 6,800. At Auckland they’re one of around 36,300 or at Canterbury, 14,600. The Polytechnic also has one of the highest successful completion of course rates in the country (83% for 2012). The unique partnership between the Polytechnic, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and the University of Waikato currently offers 16 degrees / degree pathways and this number continues to grow.
electrical and mechanical) as well as carpentry, horticulture, truck driving and more. In fact, 103 different programmes in all! We’re not saying that a polytechnic or Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is right for every student. What we suggest is to choose your provider wisely. Weigh up all the options, think about the difficulties that new graduates face with large student loans, think about learning styles – and even if keeping it local isn’t right, make sure your child is studying something that will provide them with an income and a passion.
A range of benefits exist in pathway programmes. At university, students who drop out after the second year walk away with nothing. At the Polytechnic many of our two year diplomas pathway into the third year of a degree programme. If a student leaves after two years they will still obtain an internationally recognised qualification. For example, students completing a two year NZ Diploma in Business can pathway directly into the third year of a University of Waikato Bachelor of Management Studies. If art, fashion or graphic design is on a student’s radar, the new Bachelor of Creative Industries may be of interest. There are a wide range of programmes on offer at the Polytechnic from health and beauty through to engineering (civil,
Tauranga Chamber Of Commerce | 7
Connect
Upcoming Events and Training OCT
2013
NOV
2013
EVENT:
Transformed Inland Revenue - Hon Todd McClay
TRAINING:
8
Cooney Lees Morgan Business Boost - Networking for Success
EVENT:
EVENT:
Young Read Woudberg Rocket! Awards and Ball
12
TRAINING:
Time Management
6
EVENT:
BWN - Business Behind the Scenes @ Waimarino
15
TRAINING:
Introduction to the Lean Business Model
18
TRAINING:
Managing Staff for the First Time
14
Business After 5 - ASB Bank
TRAINING:
How to be a Blimmin' Great Public Speaker
23
TRAINING: Dealing with Difficult People
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22
SNAPPED! 1
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1. Warwick de Vere, Andrew Wood, Michelle Wood. 2. Jason Stockdale, Kevin Palmer, Gavin Riddle. 3. Tazmeen Khan, Rachel Kearney, Brieana van den Dungen, Julia Third. 4. Kea Lippiatt, Carolyn Feasey, Greg Webster. 5. Kirsteen MacWilliam, Rhea Clune. 6. Debbie Hibbel, Kirstin Tye, Keith Catran, Dean Hughes. 7. Cathryn Earwaker, Anna Rose Kendall. 8. Emma Lewis, Erica Morales, Sarah Leppard. 9. Lyn Trail. 10 . Matt Cowley, Dan Allen-Gordon. 11. Wayne Shadbolt, Amos Pena. 12. Jack Herder, Graeme Martin, Stacey Beaver
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TRAINING:
Assertiveness at Work
TRAINING: The Cloud Untangled
29
TRAINING: Strategic Planning in a Day
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Get Paid app - Use it anywhere, use it soon! Westpac is about to launch a brand new app called Get Paid. This handy new app from Westpac makes it faster and easier for your business to take payments from customers, helping you manage your cash-flow. A key feature of the Get Paid app is that businesses can accept payments on the go when their customers are not in front of them. To use the app, customers will need to register their interest via our website and then apply to become a Westpac merchant (if they aren’t already).
This is a Pay-As-You-Go solution. Customers will pay 3.10% per transaction and there is no monthly fee. The app will be free to download from the app stores once it's available (for both Android and iPhone). Who is it for? The app is suitable for businesses who: • want to accept credit card payments on the go • currently take payments over the phone, via email or online typically send out an invoice and want to speed up the time it takes to get paid • want to offer flexible payment options to their customers • don’t like the hassle of accepting cheque and cash payments. • are typically in the trade services industry e.g. plumbers, builders, lawn mowing businesses and telephone/mail order companies
Key features include:
Interested?
1. Accept Payments • Process a payment online in real time by entering the customer’s credit card details. • You can also refund a transaction that’s already been processed. 2. Email request for payment • If you’d prefer, you can email a request for payment to your customer using the app. • Once the email is received there are a number of ways the customer can pay – via a secure hosted payments page, by direct credit into your bank account, or by calling you to process the payment using their credit card details. • If you have business terms of trade to include, you can attach them to your invoice too. 3. Customer & Transaction Management • Securely store a list of your customers’ details. • View the last 100 transactions processed on your device. • Access the Get Paid merchant admin web portal to view a greater transaction history, download transaction reports or export to your accounting software.
Check out www.westpac.co.nz/getpaid for more information on the Get Paid app or to register your interest and we will be in touch with you shortly to update you with more information to get started.
4. Security • The Get Paid app has been tested to ensure it meets Westpac’s security standards. • No credit card information is stored on your device. • Transactions are processed in accordance with all other required industry security standards
Terms and conditions To use Westpac’s Get Paid app you must have a Westpac merchant facility. Terms and conditions for the Get Paid app and Merchant Credit Card Facility Agreement apply. The Get Paid app processes transactions in instances where the card and the card holder are not present for business payments. Visit www.westpac.co.nz/getpaid for more information. Westpac New Zealand Limited.
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