NZBusiness April 2013

COVER STORY
Lean and keen
Pet nutrition specialist ZiwiPeak is one of a cluster of Bay of Plenty firms embracing lean thinking to achieve optimum business performance. The cluster’s success is obvious, and it proves that lean is not a process just confined to the ‘big boys’ of business. If emulated around the nation, could this be the long-term productivity booster our economy so desperately needs? Editor Glenn Baker went to the BOP to gather evidence.

FEATURES
Money matters
Much has changed in the world of business finance. Lenders have become more flexible, more involved with their clients – and the options for growth finance are more extensive than ever. Patricia Moore reports.

Finding structure and accountability
Brolly Sheets’ Diane Hurford was the winner of last year’s NZBusiness ICEHOUSE Owner Operator Programme Scholarship. After six months on the programme we get a progress report to see how the programme has impacted both her and the business.

Online on a budget
Looking to optimise your online marketing spend? Get the basics right but be prepared to think outside the box as well. Kevin Kevany consults some experts on the subject.

Cash provides growth stimulus
When Canterbury business Aarn Design took out the $15,000 MoneyWorks Business Angel Award last year, it was perfect timing. Directors Aarn Tate and Devi Benson were poised to expand their sales and marketing initiatives substantially. NZBusiness checks on progress.

ACHIEVERS
Social services for dogs
Dog day care is a relatively new business sector. On Auckland’s North Shore, Louise O’Sullivan is setting the pace on service and standards.
Working the dream
Samantha Gadd comes from a family of business owners. Launching her own HR consultancy business seemed like the natural thing to do.
Invasion of the robot inspectors
Invert Robotics, winner of last year’s ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition, is a business of high achievers.
Innovating in paradise
The Abel Tasman National Park is the setting for a genuine tale about a Kiwi ‘can do’ family.