News from the Business Trust Marlborough Team
24 June 2019 - Biz Break
We are very pleased to have Richard de Reeper from DR Strength speaking at our next Biz Break event. Join us Thursday July 18th 9.30am to 10.30am. If you would like to attend please RSVP to: manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
06 May 2019 - Biz Break
We are delighted to have Summa MacDonald speaking at our next Biz Break event. Join us Thursday May 16th 9.30am to 10.30am. Summa will be giving us an update on the Marlborough App and Marlborough Weekly. If you would like to attend please RSVP to: manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
31 March 2019 - Entrepreneurial Social
Our next Entrepreneurial Social event is on Tuesday April 30th here at the Business Trust. Award winning film maker Aaron Falvey will be sharing his story to date and his upcoming projects. Tickets will be available through Eventfinda. Look out for further details on the Blenheim Entrepreneur Social Facebook page.
14 March 2019 - Kick Start Workshop
Our next Kick Start Workshop is happening on Thursday April 4th. 10am - 2pm at BNZ Partners. The event is free but spaces are limited so RSVP early to: manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
11 March 2019 - Entrepreneurial Social
We are very pleased to have partnered with Business Mentor Sigrun Steinhagen to deliver an event series called Entrepreneurial Social. It is a monthly evening event featuring an inspiring guest speaker and structured networking. The next event is at the Wine Station on March 25th. Refer our Facebook Page for full details.
13 December 2018 - December Biz Break Event
We are delighted to have Fiona Fenwick speaking at our last Biz Break event for 2018. Join is Thursday December 13th 9.30am to 10.30am to hear Fiona talk about leadership and the key points from her book: Stand Out and Step Up. If you would like to attend please RSVP to: manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
09 October 2018 - Kick Start Workshop
Our next Kick Start Workshop is on Wednesday October 17th. If you are thinking of starting a business or are new to business then this free four hour workshop is for you. Spaces are limited. RSVP today to manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
10 January 2018 - New Biz Break Events
The New Year sees us launch a new networking event called Biz Break. Join us on the third Thursday of each month for networking over coffee and muffins. 9.30am - 10.30am. RSVP to manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
18 December 2017 - IRD Seminars for 2018
IRD have released the dates for their 2018 seminars in Blenheim: http://www.ird.govt.nz/contact-us/seminars/marlborough/blenheim/#01
31 July 2017 - Marlborough entrepreneurs launch new investment group
Angel Investors Marlborough and Business Trust Marlborough join forces! Official Launch event 3rd August.
25 July 2017 - New Manager Appointment
Business Trust Marlborough is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Dawson as the new Trust Manager. Brian was chosen from a very strong field of candidates to replace Sue Avery, who has managed the Business Trust since its inception in Marlborough three years ago. He has a very strong track record in both managing a small/medium business and also as the former General Manager of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. Brian will be taking up this position from the 21st August - until then it will be business as usual so please continue to contact us via our Contact page.
7 June 2017 - Marlborough Business Mentors Rated Among Highest in Country
The Business Mentors working through Business Trust Marlborough have been rated as 1st or 1st equal across all catergories surveyed in a recent independent Business Mentors NZ survey. Clients ranked the Mentors and Mentor Management service on the level of Mentor's experience, knowledge, match provided by Mentor Manager, and most important ADDED VALUE to their business. Many thanks to the great team we have here in Marlborough.
7 April 2017 - Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM)
Business Trust Marlborough is working to assist Richard Coon, one of our experienced mentors with Business Mentors NZ in setting up an Angel Investor Group. This will provide an opportunity for new Marlborough startups looking for capital to explore the world of Angel investors, matching them with mentors to assist them to get investment ready. Once formally established the group will be a member of the Angel Association of NZ and link in with other Angel Investment groups around New Zealand providing opportunities for members to invest in start ups from around the country as well as Marlborough. For further information please contact Sue Avery.
1 April 2017 - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Mentor Sponsorship
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment have provided funding for 15 businesses in Marlborough to be mentored by one of our local experienced Business Mentors. To be eligible for this businesses have to have been effected by the November 14 earthquake. This could be in any number of ways, customer numbers, supply or transport issues, fluctuations in tourist numbers. We have mentors with a wide range of expertise and knowledge from financial analysis to marketing, set up to exit all with hands on experience. Please contact Sue Avery for more information.
1 March 2017 - New Mentor on Board
A new import from North Canterbury has arrived full of enthusiasm for his new province and with an extensive background in working in and with franchise operations. He currently provides consultancy services for businesses around New Zealand but we are very fortunate that he has choosen Marlborough as his home as we get the benefit of his knowledge and experience. If you operate a franchise business and feel that some independent, objective advice would be of benefit, please contact us for an appointment.
22 December 2016 - Employment Support Marlborough Mentor Sponsorship
Support is available for businesses that are suffering due to effects of the November 14th earthquake. Employment Support Marlborough has very generously offered to sponsor 10 Business Mentor registrations for these businesses through Business Mentors NZ. This means these businesses can access the support and assistance of some very experienced and qualified local mentors without having to pay the usual $258 registration fee. For further information please contact the Mentor Manager Sue Avery.
18 November 2016 - Ministry of Primary Industries Earthquake Support Package
Details of a support package put together by the MPI has been released today. The government has recognised that the earthquake has had a significant impact on farmers, fishers, growers and wine industry. For further information on what the package includes and how you can access this support visit the Beehive Press Release page.
17 November 2016 - Earthquake Assistance for Employers
Assistance is available for Employers effected by the earthquake of November 14 via WINZ. Please note if you are outside the geographical area mentioned on the website but have been significantly effected apply for the subsidy anyway.
16 November 2016 - Manager's Report 2015/2016
The full Report is now available and covers activity for the 12 months from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. As our first year of independent operation we are very pleased with the feedback from clients, quality of mentors coming onboard and the level of engagement with the business community.
10 November 2016 - New Mentor Available
Recently our Business Mentor team has been joined by a new Mentor. This mentor brings an extremely creative outlook to the team and she would be well suited to any business which is based in the creative/arts/craft areas. Having been in business here in Marlborough for over 30 years she also brings an extensive knowledge of the Marlborough business environment. If you are the creative type who would rather be working in your business than on your business then this business mentor may provide insights on how to do both successfully.
29 August 2016 - Business Trust Marlborough has a new office!
Many thanks to the wonderful team at McKendry Motors who have very generously offered Business Trust Marlborough the use of an office, along with WiFi and power costs covered. This has been an invaluable benefit to Manager and Client Advisor Sue Avery, who is now able to work from a permanent base. A HUGE thanks to Andrew and the rest of the team at McKendry's.
For clients wishing to visit the please come to the entrance on High Street opposite Seymour Square and the Business Trust Marlborough is just through the second set of doors. Feel free to browse around some of the fabulous vehicles available on the way through!
A big thank you also goes out to Employment Support Marlborough who have kindly provided funding to assist in our office set up.
13 August 2016 - Two New Mentors Available
This month we are lucky enough to have two new mentors joining our team.
Our first addition has recently moved to Picton from the Rotorua area and has been active as a Business Mentor with Business Mentors NZ since 2008. Originally qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in the UK, he also holds an MBA from Harvard. More recently he had been busy as a founder of a life assurance company, Partners Life and previously in a home equity release business, Seniors Money International. He brings a wealth of experience and an entrepreneurial spirit.
The second new mentor to come on board this month has been active within a local Chartered Accountancy firm for over 20 years and has a passion for working with people starting up in business. She has years of local experience and knowledge which as she is now working towards retirement is keen to continue to share with new business owners.
30 July 2016 - Free Mentoring Available through the Rural Business Network
The Rural Business Network (RBN) in conjunction with Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) has underway an initiative to increase mentoring support to rural businesses throughout New Zealand, which are facing increasing levels of stress from falling dairy prices, tighter regulations on health and safety, and environmental controls.
The Rural Mentor initiative sees the BMNZ registration fee waived for selected NZYF and Rural Business Network members for a limited period.
To apply, simply contact Rural Business Network on 021 919 801 or email daile.jones@ruralbusinessnetwork.co.nz
10 June 2016 - New Mentors On Board
We have recently had two new mentors join our growing pool of experienced Business Mentors.
One has had extensive experience in running her own business as a Mortgage Broker. As such she brings some great financial skills and valuable insights into what makes people, both customers and business people, tick.
The other new mentor was a Managing Director/CEO of several major consumer products businesses and has a strong marketing background with strengths in performance improvement, business development, planning, marketing, operations, and governance.
Contact the Mentor Manager if you think either of these mentors could be helpful for you or your business.
1 June 2016 - Exceptional Client Satisfaction Results
In a recent Business Mentors NZ Client Satisfaction Survey, Marlborough clients rated their Mentors very highly with 100% of respondents recording a "Good or Excellent" response and "Willingness to Recommend".
This is a direct result of the fantastic mentors we have on board with an amazing range of experience and their level of dedication to what they do.
Many thanks to all our Marlborough mentors and those who travel across from Nelson!
Last updated 24 June 2019