Here’s a sure-fire way to improve business productivity and cut IT support costs: make sure you and your staff know how to use office software and operating systems properly, then engage an IT support partner to proactively manage the truly tough stuff.
There is no denying that more environmentally products and services are available today than ever before and it can be argued that there is a lot of ‘greenwashing’ going on in the marketplace. A new breed of entrepreneurs is recognising opportunities for new ventures that cater to the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services. These are the people we call ‘ecopreneurs’ – entrepreneurs who start businesses not only to make profits, but they also have strong underlying green values.
Steve and Hayley Plowman put everything on the line to establish their restaurant and brewery. Three years later, as Patricia Moore discovers, business is fermenting along nicely.
FEATURES:
Ale & Hearty
Steve and Hayley Plowman put everything on the line to establish their restaurant and brewery. Three years later, as Patricia Moore discovers, business is fermenting along nicely.
Showtime For Cantabrians
Patricia Moore talks to the multi-talented Andhy Blake – the man putting
Cover Story: Tried & Trusted
Many successful small businesses rely heavily on word of mouth to instill trust and therefore attract customers. Ruth Le Pla reports on how to trade on an excellent reputation.
What’s all the hoohaa?
The concept behind HooHaa’s text advertising service is innovative – indeed audacious. Glenn Baker talks to creator Brian Hawker.
Preparing For The Worst
Time to don the flak jacket and update your risk cover before matters get worse, or are things really that bad? Kevin Kevany looks at the importance of business risk management.
Up For The Challenge
Transporting goods to market and moving parcels around the provinces requires smart thinking. Glenn Baker highlights some business freight distribution issues and strategies for dealing with them.
Productive Measures: Why It Training And Support Makes Business Sense
IT used properly can produce almost overnight improvements in productivity. Vikki Bland examines how to best invest your IT training and support dollar.
IP telephony and the wider world of unified communication systems are often poorly understood by small businesses. What is the true impact of the technology and how is it best implemented? By Vikki Bland
FEATURES
Spreading The Joy Of Dance
The girl’s got rhythm and business nous. Patricia Moore meets Marguerite Howell,
Getting Started With R&D
Will recent new R&D initiatives provide sufficient incentive for more businesses to engage directly with research providers? Katherine Edmond has more.
Opting In
Carlisle Mason Group is a company making a name for itself in
COVER STORY: Winning Attitudes
Ruth Le Pla talks to three of
Staying on top of ‘the books’
Choosing an accounting software provider and programme that closely matches the requirements of your business operation is paramount. Glenn Baker has some help for the selection process.
Smooth Landings In Turbulent Times
Kevin Kevany engages a panel of ‘runway warriors’ to deliver the good oil on flying and business travel in these turbulent times for airlines.
Time For A Connectivity Makeover
IP telephony and the wider world of unified communication systems are often poorly understood by small businesses. What is the true impact of the technology and how is it best implemented? Vikki Bland goes in search of the answers.
A growing number of companies are realizing the true benefits of good design to their bottom-line. Design is so much more than just making things look good, as Ruth Le Pla reports.
Behind every fast-growing business you’ll almost always find an enthusiastic support partner. Glenn Baker looks at the many support options for business owners and discovers some great mentoring partnerships.
E-commerce is a big step up from a basic website. How can small business owners ensure an online sales channel pays its way and helps grow the business? Vikki Bland talks to those in the know.
COVER STORY: DRIVEN BY DESIGN
A growing number of companies are realizing the true benefits of good design to their bottom-line. Design is so much more than just making things look good, as Ruth Le Pla reports.
FRONTING UP TO HEALTH & SAFETY
Health and safety system implementation for SMEs – is it a case of ‘eating the elephant, one mouthful at a time?’ Kevin Kevany has been investigating.
2008 CHRISTCHURCH SMALL BUSINESS EXPO SUPPLEMENT
A comprehensive guide to the Small Business Expo being held
The scales of justice are increasingly being loaded with more “compliance requirements”. Kevin Kevany looks at how this is impacting on the relationship between lawyers and business owners.
DESIGNING UP A STORM
Peter Marshall’s innovative marine accessory system is a classic example of Kiwi ingenuity and sensible design. NZBusiness traces the origin and journey of a product line whose time has come.
COVER STORY: AGENTS FOR CHANGE
This year’s Small Business Expos are selling the ‘S’ word to thousands of New Zealand business owners. The message is; sustainable business is no longer an option and long term it will become a necessity for survival. By Glenn Baker.
2008 AUCKLAND SMALL BUSINESS EXPO SUPPLEMENT
A comprehensive
Upcoming event
Wednesday 11 November 2026 | 7:00am – 9:30am
📍 New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland
One week after the election, Ready to Rise returns for ‘After the Result’ to help Kiwi SME owners plan ahead for their next bold move, and hard-won growth. Get your tickets for this must-attend business breakfast.
Latest issue
The money’s out there, but getting it has rarely felt harder. Our October/November issue looks at who’s lending, what investors want and what rising rates mean for your next move. It also celebrates The David Awards 2026 winners, who backed themselves anyway.
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