Business News

Business confidence strong for 2017

Business is going into 2017 with a confident outlook, according to the most recent EMA Employers’ Survey. However, the skills shortage is a concern. Most businesses expected business conditions to improve over the next six month (49%), while slightly fewer (47%) expected conditions to stay the same. Significantly, 68% of respondents expected their own business to grow in the next six months. This is a major increase on the same time a year ago – in November 2015 the response to the same question was 57%. “These results are most encouraging, especially with the uncertainty overseas,” says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA. The majority of respondents said they had increased the number of employees in 2016, which would correlate with the positive outlook respondents have of their own business. However, on the downside, employers are still struggling to recruit, with 53% saying it is difficult or very difficult to attract suitable candidates for positions in general. While 72% saying it is difficult to recruit for skilled positions. Specifically, professionals, technicians and managers were the roles employers had the most difficulty recruiting. With machinery operators and labourers also featuring strongly as a growing area of skills shortage. This was backed up by the majority of respondents (65%) saying there is currently, or there soon will be, a skills shortage in their sector. Not surprisingly, one of the key themes that came out of the survey was looking for ways to resolve this. In particular, employers are looking at how they upskill current staff, but are also looking to use immigrants to fill their staff shortage along with other mechanisms such as apprenticeships. “These results reinforce the need for employers to take good care of the staff they have,” says Mr Campbell. The survey was conducted in mid-November and went to EMA members. […]

Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

Delivering more for less – achieving New Zealand’s productivity potential

-Paul Conway, Productivity Commission The New Zealand economy is currently doing well in some important ways – our public finances are relatively healthy, the labour market has been one of the most successful in the OECD at creating jobs, and incomes have improved over recent years. But despite this optimistic view, New Zealand’s productivity performance continues to be weak. Achieving New Zealand’s productivity potential is the Productivity Commission’s commentary on New Zealand’s productivity performance. The paper draws on a large body of research and the Commission’s previous 10 inquiries. This shows that leading NZ firms do not achieve the same productivity growth as leading international firms in the same industry – our top firms are slow to adopt new technologies that enhance productivity. The pace at which new technology and ideas diffuse across firms in the domestic economy is also an important key to lifting productivity. But too few New Zealand firms implement and benefit from advances in technology and knowledge. Despite having relatively open borders, we are not well connected internationally. New Zealand firms have not been strong investors offshore, they don’t tend to be well connected to global value chains, and our stock of foreign direct investment as a share of GDP is growing more slowly than the OECD average. This lack of international connection means that competition is weak and that NZ firms have limited opportunities to learn from leading international firms at the top of their game. We also have onshore challenges – our small and insular domestic markets mean that small firms struggle to achieve economies of scale and specialisation. Our productive firms have limited scope to grow and expand within these markets and, with limited competition, our unproductive firms survive for longer than they ideally would. This results in valuable resources being locked up […]

Driving business forward with Trade Shows

How Trade Shows can thrive when combined with Digital Marketing: An XPO Exhibitions Observation For millennia, traders have showcased their products face to face in market squares around the world. Trade Shows were the cornerstone of the business calendar. In more modern times, before the days of Google, Skype and in fact e-mail, trade shows were a hub for industry professionals to network and for businesses to launch initiatives which they hoped would keep consumers and competitors talking for months to come. What made trade shows so special is seemingly being surpassed and made irrelevant in the digital age. However, despite this trend, trade shows for pretty much every industry imaginable continue year on year and hundreds of thousands of people annually clear a space on their calendar to attend. So why do trade shows remain popular? The answer is to get people talking and not just the industry professionals and journalists, but the businesses and consumers who they really want to target. Compliment your Trade Show presence with online interaction When supported by online activity trade shows can provide an opportunity to put your service or new product into the spotlight. This means putting it right under the noses of the important figures who can help your idea, as well as your content, to go viral. Bloggers, vloggers and opinion leaders are often only a click away online. Touch base with advocates and early adopters of your product, utlilise testimonials and speak with them face-to-face. People do business with those they like and trust. Great content online is ideal for building a following of subscribers receptive to your pitch. Marketing your product online can be pretty cost-effective, but getting it the recognition it deserves is what trade shows were designed for. The development of trust is most effective when […]

University increases presence in China

The University of Auckland’s new Innovation Institute China (UAIIC) will provide unprecedented access to an extensive range of networks, research and funding opportunities in China. The University of Auckland’s knowledge transfer company, UniServices, has established the institute in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. It is due to formally open in the first quarter of 2017 and will focus on collaboration. The Innovation Institute will allow the University of Auckland, UniServices and its partners to: • Develop stronger local relationships in China with local and central government, Chinese universities and research institutes, Chinese companies and international companies with a presence in China. • Provide access to a wider range of public and private good funding opportunities in China to support research at the University of Auckland. • Improve market knowledge and market access, allowing the University to undertake a wider scope of projects across China. “By developing a wholly foreign owned entity in Hangzhou, China, we are enhancing our position in the world innovation ecosystem,” says Dr Lisbeth Jacobs, General Manager- International Auckland UniServices. “It will enable a safe pathway for international clients who have a desire to undertake research in China with the University of Auckland.” University of Auckland researchers will have access to the facilities when the building is completed enabling closer collaborations with Chinese universities, government agencies and commercial partners. “Both Auckland UniServices and the University of Auckland have extensive relationships and collaborations in China, and we look forward to the outstanding research and commercialisation work we will do together,” says UniServices CEO Andy Shenk. “The University of Auckland and Auckland UniServices support economic growth locally and internationally through innovation and entrepreneurship, creating quality jobs and high-value businesses, producing graduates and spin-out companies that contribute to and strengthen our economy and society, to the benefit of all. The […]

Accord Precision leads the way in Kiwi manufacturing revival

Arising from the pessimistic view of New Zealand manufacturing reverberating around industry in the past decade, a new era of unique Kiwi capability is starting to emerge. Boutique and bespoke operations are finding new and exciting markets and products suited to our unique position, capabilities and attitude. The true picture of a modern New Zealand industry no longer dependant on that first refrigerated meat shipment is starting to emerge and this is no better illustrated than at Accord Precision. Behind the humble footprint of their Pakuranga operation, Accord Precision have stretched their reach into the worlds markets, creating products for global suppliers in industries ranging from agricultural implements to medical equipment. Alec Mandis the Chief Executive of Accord Precision and his team recently opened their doors for an informative evening enjoyed by 40 engineers from throughout Auckland as part of the MESNZ’s Kaeser Compressors Network Evening Series. Founded in 1980, Accord Precision has expanded into an engineering company offering exceptional service and innovation over a wide range of products. The company specialises in titanium machining, metal injection moulding using specialised CNC lathes and machine tools and a range of services including medical standard Assembly Clean Rooms. From John Deere to Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Accord Precision is completely on top of their game when it comes to satisfying customer requirements. The Kaeser Compressors Network Evenings are hosted to showcase local operations and provide networking opportunities for engineers across all regions of New Zealand. The evenings offer the opportunity to take a look at the host operation and discuss common issues and solutions in a relaxed after work environment. Open to interested members of the public, the nights are well patronised as proven at Accord Precision. As well as learning firsthand about the capabilities and achievements of the Accord team, the […]

Editorial, December Magazine:Self-satisfaction is not all we have, can do better

Time to take a breather and get the work/life balance in order. To stop stressing about the business and turn the cell phone off. As 2016 becomes a distant memory, there is some decent wind in the sails of the NZ economy. On top of that, another unfortunate earthquake and Auckland’s development have guaranteed plenty of construction work for 2017. The challenge of course is to find enough skilled tradespeople to be part of all of this. This issue affects our national productivity overall and our export push into overseas markets. Productivity, as much as any other issue this year, is on everyone’s mind. From the Minister for Business Development, NZMEA, Manufacturing NZ, NZTE, the Productivity Commission, to the company bosses and the production manager on the factory floor. Lots is written about it. Analysis put forward. Suggestions made. And the grumpiness of under-performing companies is there for all to see. Some of what I have written about Productivity this year has included suggestions to make staff more inclusive in the decision-making processes, show them the plan and offer them incentives. Wages need to increase for the job well done and New Zealand cannot continue to be a low wage economy festering with resentment between the haves and the have nots. And there is my every year Christmas wish for a Minister for Manufacturing. We currently have enough diversification of activities that are truly bolstering our economy and the potential for a better way of life. If this financial boost cannot improve the livelihood of the population, then we need to think again. In all of this, we are embedded in isolation from the outside world – every day is Christmas on our islands – and in a mindset which is like theatre and politically orchestrated. If the government […]

ARANZ Medical named Supreme Innovator of the Year

ARANZ Medical, a specialist in 3D scanning and informatics solutions for the healthcare sector, has been named the winner of the Bayer Supreme Innovator of the Year in the 2016 New Zealand Innovators Awards. The company was also named the winner of the Innovation in Technology Solutions category for its key innovations Silhouette and FastSCAN. Dr Bruce Davey, CEO of ARANZ Medical says, “This is a wonderful acknowledgement for our dedicated team who are passionate about developing innovative technology to help people heal people. We’ve replaced some of the most primitive processes in healthcare that hadn’t seen any innovation in decades with highly innovative and sophisticated yet easy-to-use medical technology.” ARANZ Medical’s 3D scanning and information solutions for skin and wound assessment transform clinical assessment processes, improve quality of care, and make healthcare more cost-effective. Key innovations include: Silhouette, an FDA-approved advanced wound surveillance system which supports precise and productive wound management in clinical practice and research; and FastSCAN which enables the custom-fit of orthotics and prosthetics. Dr Davey says, “We can help improve the lives of millions of people worldwide, including high risk groups such as diabetes sufferers and the elderly, by empowering healthcare providers to address challenging medical problems in wound care and orthotics/prosthetics. Silhouette and FastSCAN literally shed light on changes in the skin with a level of accuracy and ease that has not been possible before, so healthcare providers can make better-informed decisions that could lead to better healing outcomes.” The company’s technology is being used in over 35 countries in a range of settings from clinical researchers in rural Africa studying the Buruli ulcer, one of the most neglected tropical diseases, to the largest healthcare providers in the US and UK. Dr Davey says demand for their technology is being driven by diseases like diabetes, […]

Mood buoyant at co-located Foodtech Packtech and MHL Expo

A record attendance of more than 4000 (mainly) food manufacturers descended upon the biennial Foodtech Packtech and MHL Expo trade show last week in Auckland, with organisers claiming it a huge success. More than 240 exhibitors were on display across 4 halls of the ASB showgrounds in Auckland – the largest contingent of exhibitors in more than a decade with the show collocating with their recently acquired Materials Handling and Logistics Expo. More than 80 of the 240 exhibitors were displaying materials handling related product – so it really fulfilled the brief for trade attendees – helping complete the “Pasture (or seabed) to plate” story for Food Manufacturers visiting the show. “Exhibitors have been completing post-show surveys saying the quality of visitor was spot on,” says Brent Spillane MD of the show. “We’ve had feedback that the sector was very buoyant with many outlaying large CapEx to buy plant, packaging, machinery, equipment and technology for their factories,” says Spillane. The event attracted a strong contingent of international visitors too – with large groups of Chinese and Australian delegates. “We’re excited about the growing internationalisation of the event with ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders around creating an international food week and conference attached to the show in years to come. When you get this many industry professionals attending the show – there’s a natural progression to create ancillary conferences.” The event hosted three full days of seminars hosted by the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and other relevant sector bodies. “We had a very high calibre of speakers covering issues ranging from Risk Management in Exports through to a new $15m MBIE funded Food Research fund – across the three days.” Rebooking for FTPT and the MHL Expo have already been strong […]

Science fiction of the last century now very close to reality

There’s no doubt that momentous change is underway and that there will be huge employment impact from the disruptive change. In the latest in the Future of Business series, MYOB explores the technological revolution that will transform the way we connect, relate and interact with one another. Yet, while we will have experienced a dramatic shift in the way we work by the 2040s, what might be even more remarkable is the increased value of the human experience. MYOB Chief Technical Advisor and futurist Simon Raik-Allen says, even with incredible advances in technology, people need to be together to truly be creative. “Right now, we’re on the cusp of what the World Economic Forum calls the fourth industrial revolution. There’s no doubt that momentous change is underway and that there will be huge employment impact from the disruptive change. But, like the last industrial revolution, it is more likely to enrich our experiences and provide more opportunities for meaningful work and exciting business.” Mr Raik-Allen believes that, rather than technology isolating or excluding people, it will bring them together. “It doesn’t matter how advanced our technology becomes, in the end, it will come down to people and values. The next revolution will lift humanity, embrace creativity and shape a world that empowers communities. People will always be at the centre of the business, and their experience will be more valued than ever.” “This is our vision at. We understand that business isn’t just business, it’s personal. Although we continue to design, innovate and advance our technology, ultimately it’s the human connection that enables our business and our clients to succeed. We’ve believed this for the last 25 years and we’ll be doing this for the next 25.” Looking back to look forward While not all the technologies promised for the […]

ARANZ Medical named Supreme Innovator of the Year

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