KPMG unveils digital platform to empower New Zealand SMEs

KPMG New Zealand has launched Business IQ, a digital subscription platform aimed at equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with actionable insights for better financial and operational decision-making.

The new development by the professional services firm seeks to address a critical challenge it says is faced by SMEs: making sense of siloed and complex data in a fast-paced, data-driven business environment.

Jon Holmes, KPMG’s Private Enterprise National Managing Partner, highlights the growing need for reliable, real-time data in decision-making. “Our consolidated approach offers a single source of truth, enabling SMEs to better understand their financial and market position,” he says.

Holmes describes Business IQ as a “game-changer,” offering simplified dashboards that transform complex data into clear insights. “It drives faster decision-making, enhances productivity, and helps businesses focus on the right metrics,” he adds.

The platform is powered by Microsoft Power BI and integrates client data from existing cloud-based tools to generate user-friendly dashboards. These dashboards provide a snapshot of financial health, cash flow forecasts, and detailed performance metrics relative to budgets. Users can also access advanced financial ratio analysis to refine decisions on receivables and payables.

KPMG Chief Digital Officer Cowan Pettigrew says that the platform will help democratise access to sophisticated data analytics.

“Traditionally, such tools were available only to large multinational corporations. Recognizing the need for accessible solutions for SMEs, we’ve created a simplified platform tailored to their needs,” Pettigrew says.

Business IQ is a subscription service, and designed to offer flexibility and affordability, aligning with the needs of SMEs navigating economic challenges.

Holmes notes that SMEs form the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, representing over 90 percent of enterprises. “Supporting SMEs is essential to fulfilling KPMG’s purpose of fuelling New Zealand’s prosperity.”