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“Can my business benefit from networking and word of mouth?”

As a business owner, you’re constantly on the lookout for marketing strategies and platforms that can elevate your brand and generate more opportunities, right? What if we told you LinkedIn is one of the most underutilised tools for businesses like yours? Following feedback from many business owners like you, I’m pleased to introduce and invite you to participate in a complimentary Maximize Your Impact: The 5-Day LinkedIn Mastery Challenge for Entrepreneurs If you are not yet sure if LinkedIn is for you there is only one question you need to answer to gain certainty: “Can my business benefit from networking and word of mouth?” If the answer is YES then you know that building a strong network takes time and you’d better start right now. Curious to find out more? Book HERE to receive a special invitation to a private LinkedIn Group where this 5-day Challenge starts on Monday 11th of Dec 2023 Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – it’s time to make LinkedIn work for your business!

Q & A:Sean Doherty Advanced Manufacturing,Callaghan Innovation

How can Advanced Manufacturing take NZ forward? Advanced manufacturing involves the use of technology to supercharge the manufacturing sector. Already an incredibly pivotal part of our nation’s economy and operations, there is real value to be found in unlocking the full potential of our manufacturers. The implementation of smart products and processes such as artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing are just some of the key ways we can look to automate, digitise and further develop operations. New Zealand hopes to reach the level of manufacturing represented by Industry 4.0 – a blueprint made up of a series of government initiatives from around the world. As a nation, reaching this goal would propel the nation forward in several critical ways. Manufacturers can harness new technologies to revolutionise their products and processes, effectively increasing their quality of output, and driving productivity forward. Economically, this creates an increase in profitability, enhances market competitiveness, and helps to generate higher-value jobs by automating lower-level tasks. Fostering innovation, this strengthens our supply chain resilience, and reduces our dependence on foreign sources. We can also work towards realising our full potential as a ‘clean, green New Zealand’, by encouraging resource-efficient, environmentally friendly practices. We are not a country rich with natural resources, except for dairy, horticulture and agriculture. We once made cars and TV sets. When that stopped it couldn’t be started again. So where can Advanced Manufacturing help to turn things around? Market demand, competition, global economic conditions and access to raw materials play crucial roles in the ability for a country to operate in a highly competitive industry – which is largely why dairy, horticulture and agriculture are particular strengths for New Zealand. However, advanced manufacturing holds endless possibilities for improvement. As we increase our capabilities, this certainly creates new opportunities for growth […]

The time has come

A few years ago, Winston Peters was talking of the country’s need for a Minister of Racing and I was talking of the country’s need for a Minister of Manufacturing. I wrote about it, received feedback and, guess what?, that ministry has still not happened and is still a no-brainer! Business leaders need to take action about this for the future of the country. *Doug Green, publisher, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz Andy Bayly, National Spokesperson for Manufaxcturing comments: (In the picture)In July, representatives from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, local high schools and manufacturers met in Parliament with MP Andrew Bayly (seated, far right). Local MP Chris Bishop is also very supportive of the initiative. -Andrew Bayly, National Spokesperson for Manufacturing and MP for Port Waikato Over the last year, I have met with manufacturers from Whangarei in the north to Dunedin in the south. I have asked them what the Government could do to better support them. National wants to not only support existing manufacturers, but to attract more people into the sector and more manufacturing to New Zealand. We need all parts of our economy firing on all cylinders if New Zealand is going to recover from the current economic crisis quickly. To do so, we must reduce costs for our manufacturers, encourage investment, reduce taxes and make it easier for firms to hire and train new staff. Why manufacturing matters Manufacturing is critical to the New Zealand economy. It represents about 10 per cent of GDP and underpins over half of our exports. The sector employs about 250,000 people, accounting for nearly 11 per cent of all jobs in the economy. Its contribution to R&D is also significant, accounting for 24 per cent of business spending on R&D ($649 million in 2020). This has been achieved against […]

Nico Patchay - Niche Modular Construction

Wellington company showing the way for low carbon

The drive for low carbon has rapidly become a focal point for Aotearoa’s construction sector, where the most forward-thinking and innovative operators are partnering with other experts to decarbonise in ways that also deliver biological, ecological, and social co-benefits. One company showing the way is Wellington-based volumetric offsite manufacturing company Niche Modular Construction, whose technical manager Nico Patchay (left)spoke to HERA’s CEO Troy Coyle on the Stirring the Pot podcast about the business’ adoption of HERA’s Zero Carbon Steel program, Hōtaka Whakakore Puhanga Waro, which launched last year in a global first for the construction sector. The offsetting program means there is now a zero-carbon steel option for most steel products used in Aotearoa, noting that the sector has a number of other decarbonisation initiatives in play, including the recently announced plans to construct an Electric Arc Furnace at New Zealand Steel. The program is supported by the work of thinkstep-anz, which HERA commissioned to develop robust program rules to determine the underlying requirements for calculating the emissions for offsetting. HERA’s partnership with Ekos, a leader in carbon management and environmental financing, underpins the administration of the offsetting process, and offsets are sourced from native forest projects in the Pacific Islands. Niche Modular Construction was the first company to use HERA’s Zero Carbon Steel program, and is utilising the carbon offsets to reduce the net emissions of its steel modular building projects, which are primarily classroom buildings. Niche operates in both the public and private sectors and is also exploring the potential application of offsets in modular apartments. Niche currently utilises around 15 tonnes of steel in its builds and has its own engineering department that handles all aspects of the structural steel components. Niche Modular reports the additional costs of using Zero Carbon Steel have been manageable; it bears […]

Women founders lay down challenge for New Zealand to do business better

2023 women founder conference, Electrify Aotearoa: Auckland, saw the best and brightest women in business lay down the challenge for New Zealand to do better. The best and brightest women in Aotearoa business want improvements to the business sector and they’re not going to wait around for someone to fix things.. Organised and presented by Ministry of Awesome and hosted at the SkyCity Theatre, Electrify Aotearoa saw keynotes from a broad selection of Aotearoa’s most electric founders, including Janine Grainger of Easy Crypto , Maru Nihoniho, of Metia Interactive, and Frances Shoemack of Abel along with 20 other inspirational speakers and startup experts conducting masterclasses and panel discussions. A key challenge for New Zealand business laid down by Electrify Aotearoa was to support and invest capital in as many women-led start-ups as men. Other panels at the event included, Barriers to investment led by Theresa Gattung, Founder mindset led by Suse Reynolds of Angel Association NZ with Supie’s Sarah Balle and Jessica Manins, Co-Founder at Beyond, as well as masterclasses in brand and go-to-market, suitable for entrepreneurs at all stages of their growth trajectory. Sold out for its second consecutive year, Electrify Aotearoa again underlined the inportance of building deeper connections among entrepreneurial wahine, to lift each other up and open doors for one another. Ministry of Awesome CEO, Marian Johnson said the event was a “thunderclap” moment for women in business in Aotearoa to demand and lead the change the country needs. “To every woman in this room, this is your call to action to believe, to activate, to connect with each other and power up. Every one of our speakers is a trailblazer and an innovator so tell their stories, tell your own, and share that inspiration around,” Johnson said. “For NZ to be a world leading innovation economy, […]

Electrical apprentice challenge back for 2023

With the annual challenge to find New Zealand’s best electrical apprentice back for 2023, the winners of the 2022 challenge have some sage advice for those considering entering, and for the employers of the young sparkies about to be put to the test. Exposure to all the varied elements of the industry that the competition provides is invaluable, says Mathew Masters, who won the Industrial Award in last year’s Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge, sponsored in part by Schneider Electric. “Taking part in the challenge is a rewarding way to upskill. The team at Dalton Electrical supported me with my learning going into it, and I was given opportunities many apprentices wouldn’t get to touch. “There’s a lot I didn’t know about the expanse of the industry when I came into it; I just wanted to do something hands-on after university, and now I’ve found what I’m good at. “I come from a programming background and the challenge was a catalyst for me to learn my way up. People want homes that run off their phones, but automation is becoming applicable in so many contexts now – including industrial – and I’ve been able to see the technical side of it, which opens up a whole new space in the electrical industry for me to explore.” Mathew’s advice for young people is “not to be afraid of the trades,” a sentiment shared by Palmerston North-based Thomas Mitchell, who recently completed his apprenticeship with Hedley Electrical and was the Domestic/Commercial Award winner in the 2022 Challenge. “I left school with an Excellence in NCEA but wasn’t overly excited about any of the careers that seemed to stem from university education. I came up against a bit of stigma about the trades being held in less esteem as a viable professional path, but […]

The surprising ally shining a light on manufacturing and industrial sector

Naked Creative, a surprising boutique marketing agency based in Invercargill, is making significant waves in the New Zealand marketing scene by successfully partnering with heavy industry companies and supporting their growth and international expansion. In a refreshing departure from the norm, Naked Creative has proven that big hitters in the marketing world can emerge from unexpected places, challenging the notion that major cities are the sole hub for marketing expertise. Despite their smaller size, Naked Creative has established themselves as a formidable force in the industry. Their unique approach and expertise have allowed them to carve out a niche in working with primary sector, food handling and manufacturing, engineering, and logistics companies. Through their innovative strategies and tailored campaigns, Naked Creative has become the go-to agency for these industries, providing targeted and effective marketing solutions. Naked Creative Chief Executive Erin McCall (pictured here,right, with Naked Creative Director, Carla Forbes) acknowledged the advantages of being a boutique agency based in Invercargill. “It’s actually a blessing being boutique, and with a head office in Southland as we have significant primary industry and industrial companies here. It’s what we know. “We have transferred that knowledge to lots of organisations throughout New Zealand, and our size has allowed us to be nimble and move quickly,” she said. Naked Creative’s collaboration with industrial clients throughout New Zealand has earned them a reputation for delivering exceptional results. They have displayed a keen understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by companies in these sectors, playing an instrumental role in supporting their growth and facilitating successful expansions into international markets. NZX-listed engineering and industrial automation innovator, MHM Automation has worked with the agency for many years. MHM Automation CEO Richard Rookes said the partnership they have with Naked Creative was a valuable one. “The team take […]

Have you ignited your Power Rangers?

-Insa Errey, Advisor, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz How the power of staff engagement leads to energy reduction. While technological advancements and infrastructure improvements play a crucial role in decarbonisation, one often overlooked factor is staff engagement. Employees who are actively engaged in energy-saving initiatives can make a significant impact on energy reduction and as such emissions reduction. This article explores the relationship between staff engagement and energy reduction, highlighting the benefits of fostering an engaged workforce. Raising Awareness: Raising awareness among employees is one of the primary ways staff engagement can contribute to energy reduction. By conducting awareness campaigns, providing training sessions, or implementing internal communication channels to disseminate information, employees become educated about the importance of energy conservation. Ensure the process is fun and relatable, to get your staff onboard. Understanding the impact of their actions, ignites them to become more conscious of their energy usage. Engaged employees are more likely to adopt energy-efficient behaviours and encourage others to do the same. Behaviour Change: Engaging employees in energy savings initiatives encourages them to change their behaviour. Simple actions such as turning off lights when not in use and powering down computers can collectively contribute to significant energy reductions. This can then be extended at their workstation. If their workstation had an Energy Star rating what would it be, and how could this be improved? Engaged employees serve as role models for their peers and promote a culture of energy consciousness throughout the organisation. Employee Empowerment: Engaging employees in energy reduction efforts empowers them to take ownership of their workplace environment. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to actively participate. Organisations can involve staff members in energy audits, encourage them to identify areas of improvement, and implement their suggestions. This involvement creates a sense of ownership and strengthens the […]

How to select a standout sustainability team

Dr Barbara Nebel, CEO, thinkstep-anz Keen to make progress on your sustainability programme? Enlist the right team! Our clients – large and small – often ask us whom to shoulder-tap when they set up their in-house sustainability team. Our answer sometimes surprises them. Yes, their team members’ skills and networks are important. But how their people think and what they value matter too. Our thinkstep-anz sustainability professionals are a good example. Our almost fifty-strong team come from many different backgrounds including product design, economics, engineering, science, law, and journalism. Their careers span many sectors and industries. What do they have in common? How they think and what they value. Pick people who see the ‘big picture’ Your sustainability programme should be part of your business strategy. So involve team members who see the ‘big picture’. Make sure they understand that becoming a more sustainable manufacturing business is about more than ‘saving the planet’ (critical though this is). It’s about future-proofing your business. A well-run sustainability programme will keep your supply chain cranking along, reduce the waste you create, keep your customers loyal, and attract talent in a tight labour market. Big-picture thinkers offer other skills too. They understand trade-offs and can set priorities. They’ll help you focus your sustainability effort so you have the greatest impact. Pick ‘systems thinkers’ Sustainability is about systems. Change one thing and you’ll change another. Pic credit: Andrew Moca on unsplash. Why does this matter? Because you want your sustainability programme to succeed. For example, before you redesign your product to use lower-carbon materials, you need to be confident you’re not adding to your waste. (Waste can emit carbon too.) Team members who see your products and business as connected ‘systems’ can identify potential issues like these. The good news? Manufacturing businesses are full […]

Will the election matter?

Comment is welcome on this post. What are you looking for? Do you have expectations from the upcoming election? Editorial, July issue, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz Yes, if the party you want to get in, gets in. How about the rest of it – what will the victor do to work closely with the business community? What will the victor do to keep business moving forward, to stabilise the economy and bring about greater equality? We are in the ‘silly season’, the time before an election that allows lots to be written and outcomes suggested. Businesses always has a plea – for solutions to help them to be more competitive in the marketplace. This means having the financial tools to invest in the technology required to do so, engaging with Industry 4.0 and keeping an eye on AI and what that will mean soon. Dealing with climate change. Confidence to invest in innovative technology, because it is a risk, especially if there is no guarantee of contract manufacturing on a financially viable level. Greater access and identification on world markets for our products, creating business opportunities, engaging with some of the excellent innovators in the country, who take financial risks by putting their ‘stake in the ground’ to become be a success story. Innovators with bonafide credentials are what we are talking about. Those from such companies as Buckley Systems, The Gallagher Group, Fisher & Paykel, Fonterra, Stabicraft who have the expert knowledge required. A new government will take time to settle in. A year of consolidation of processes and getting to know each other. NZ businesses punch above their weight. Within our small population are lots of people who develop great products. A Minister of Manufacturing could help them to succeed. Back to the beginning…will the election matter? Not […]

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