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In this edition of YOUR news

     

Business needs certainty

Kia ora tatou,

The latest Government announcement on Friday 22nd October was, to say the least, a mixed bag. Whilst there was some positive news regarding financial support as we transition to a new ‘traffic light framework’,  

• RSP rate to be doubled and paid fortnightly, up to $43,000 per business 
• Wage subsidy to be continued through the transition period 
• Cost of new RSP and wage subsidy is up to $940 million per fortnight 
• $60 million package for Regional Business Partner Programme and mental health support 

the other major item that BNH has been asking for and which businesses desperately need, namely a definitive timeframe for the changes to the framework, is still missing. Business owners need certainty regarding when restrictions are going to change, so that they can plan for their future and can have meaningful conversations with their banks, accountants and financial advisors, based upon some certainty, rather than being based almost entirely on the unknown. 

It has been indicated that the only way we are going to return to any sort of normality in Auckland is by getting vaccination numbers in our three DHBs to the 90% milestone that the Government has set. Businesses need a swift transition to the new framework, so I once again encourage you to get vaccinated and to support everyone across your networks to follow your lead. 

BNH is running our second HARBOUR HAPPY HOUR online meeting tomorrow from 12-1pm. Our last session a fortnight ago attracted 45 members and we once again have a range of guest presenters including Richard Orsbourn (Pathfinder Solutions), Nicky Spencer (Ministry of Social Development) and Sally Palmer (Monsellier Law Employment) who will each provide some additional business support and advice (register here).

The Team at BNH wish you all well and I encourage you to contact us if we can be of any assistance.

Ngā mihi mahana,

Kevin O'Leary 
General Manager, Business North Harbour
     

BNH AGM to proceed online

Due to the ongoing Alert Level restrictions, the BNH AGM re-scheduled for Thursday 4th November, will not be able to proceed as an in-person event and will instead be held online. Prior to the event we will provide a link to join the AGM and full details regarding the voting process, to everyone who has registered their attendance. In the meantime, if you would like to attend and haven’t already registered, please register here.
     

Latest Covid information from business.govt.nz

The following links from business.govt.nz and other Government sources provide the latest Covid related information on;


Got questions or need support? Call the free Covid-19 Business Helpline on 0800 500 362. 
     

Upcoming Workshops, Webinars & Events

   
   
   

Save the date of Wednesday 23rd February 2022 as New Zealand's media superstar Hilary Barry will be entertaining a full house of local businesswomen at our first Women in Business event of the new year. Proudly sponsored by Eclipse Recruitment, this will be an event not to be missed. Tickets will go on sale in late November so keep an eye out for further information.
     

ONE DAY SALE 2021 registrations now open!

Our area's biggest shopping bonanza is happening again on Saturday 4th December 2021! ONE DAY SALE is open to all BNH members and is especially well suited to retailers, wholesalers and distributors. For more information and to register, click here. To view our current participating businesses, please click here.
     

Vaccination Polices & Managing Medical Incapacity webinar recordings now available

Two recent BNH webinar recordings are now available to view. Bronwen Newcombe, Director at Davenports Law delivered an extremely informative webinar on "Vaccination Polices, what employers should be doing now" which is a must view for all business owners who employ staff. Covered in this webinar is what employers should be doing now and also answering the following key questions: (1) Can I require certain roles to be carried out by vaccinated workers?; (2) Can I ask my staff if they are vaccinated?; (3) Should we introduce a Vaccination Policy? (4) and; Can I require new staff to be vaccinated? Click here to view.

In addition, Sally Palmer, Employment Relations Manager from Monsellier Law Employment  also delivered an interesting and informative webinar on "Managing Medical Incapacity & recent changes to Sick Leave." Sally provided some great insights into how to navigate this tricky area with practical steps that you can take to tackle this common issue head-on. Updates to recent law changes around sick leave were also covered. Click here to view.
     

Speed limit changes around Auckland

Auckland Transport (AT) is asking for feedback on a proposal to change the speed limits of approximately 800 roads around the region. In 2019, AT embarked on a programme to change the speed limits on many roads around Auckland as part of their efforts to improve road safety. They started with changing the speed limits of around 700km of roads around the region, that’s about 10% of all local roads. AT are now consulting on the next sizeable tranche of speed limit changes around the region (Click here for further information).

AT is legally required to investigate speed limits and, when it finds speed limits are not safe and appropriate, it recommends changes. If approved, these changes will be made by amendment to the Speed Limits Bylaw and come into force in mid-2022. To provide road-specific feedback on an interactive map, please click here. Public feedback is open until Sunday 14th November 2021.
     

North Harbour BID Crime Update

Crime across our Business Improvement District (BID) has unfortunately occurred over lockdown but not at an alarming rate. We still have visiting offenders coming into our area to commit burglaries, break into vehicles and in some cases to steal vehicles. The BNH nightly contracted security patrol continues to provide a security presence in our area to keep offences to a minimum during this extended lockdown period. 

Please remain vigilant and ensure that your premises are checked on regularly by either staff members or your security providers if you don’t have a security monitored alarm system already installed. If your business requires any additional support regarding security services, please contact Dave Loader (BNH's Crime Prevention Specialist) via email here or visit our website for more information here.
     

Pathfinder Solutions: Invitation to register your interest for business advice & support packages 

Last Friday the Government announced a new $60m business advice and support package. Your business may be eligible to apply for this, and the funding won’t last long! If you’re asking yourself questions like the ones below, then please call us or register your interest here

* What will my business look like post Covid-19, and how do I pivot and plan for that? 
* What should I be doing now to plan for the new normal? 
* How do I make sure I have the cash to see it through? 

During the 2020 lockdowns, Pathfinder Solutions, Chartered Accountants and Advisors, helped existing and new local business clients to access this type of funding and supported them with real-world business experience and expertise. The details of how the funding will be distributed are still to come. In the meantime, please register your interest for 2021 by completing our online form here or call James Stuart at Pathfinder Solutions on 027 311 0072.
     

Trio Events Hampers, the perfect gift this Xmas

Trio Events hampers are the perfect treat for someone special or as a gift this Christmas. This year, Trio are pleased to provide a range of Christmas hampers along with a Create your own hamper option where you can tailor something very unique. Book early and take the hassle out of your corporate and staff gifts! For more information, contact the Trio Events team via email here or visit their website here.
     

Try cycling this month

Cycling is a great way to increase your fitness, clear your head after a busy day, or simply enjoy the sunshine - and you're also making a cleaner choice for Auckland’s air quality.  AT are continuing to invest in safer cycleways making it easier than ever for you to find a pleasant bike ride. The recently completed Northcote 5.2 km safe cycle route is one of those places. It connects the working hub at Smales Farm and North Shore Hospital to Onewa Domain, Northcote shops and Northcote Point.  Don’t forget November is Bikevember this year!
     

Free website & e-commerce development service offer for BNH members

Hit by the Covid slump followed by social distancing and a prolonged lockdown, kiwi businesses are experiencing unprecedented impacts irrespective of their sizes. The impacts on start-ups or small businesses are way more severe. To survive over this contagion, businesses that had never considered going online now must digitalise their businesses. 

Understanding this reality, UCL Solutions, are extending its supports to businesses who are planning to create/upgrade their digital presence during these testing times. UCL is offering free website and e-commerce development services to help BNH members go digital. This is a limited time offer and T&C's apply. For further information, contact UCL Solutions via email here or phone 09 869 5891.
     

CONTACT: 09 968 2222 WEBSITE: www.businessnh.org.nz

EMAIL: admin@businessnh.org.nz OFFICE: Level 1, Unit 2, 322 Rosedale Road, Rosedale 

POSTAL: PO Box 303126, North Harbour