Auckland IT cluster launch helps small businesses

2 May 2005

MEDIA RELEASE

Auckland IT cluster launch helps small businesses achieve more

The launch of the Auckland IT Cluster is a critical stage in the ongoing development of Auckland’s information and communication technologies (ICT) business sector.

In particular, it’s a major development for the 70 or more businesses that have participated in cluster activities to date. With the financial support of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, North Shore’s economic development agency Enterprise North Shore has appointed Simon Fawkes, Auckland IT Cluster Facilitator to identify shared cluster initiatives.

The cluster’s launch is recognition of the advantage that building strategic industry synergies provide for business productivity, competitiveness and efficiency. “It’s very much a major step forward,” says Simon Fawkes of the launch of Auckland IT. “Many businesses already see that they can grow by taking advantage of opportunities to bring in work from offshore. But equally, the majority of businesses are currently too small to win major work projects and to export on their own. That’s why clustering and working together is so important for their future.”

Launch of the Auckland IT Cluster was a feature of a North Shore ICT Growth Project event hosted at Massey University’s e-centre in Albany on Friday, 29 April. The event culminated with the formal launch of the cluster. It has been a part of the nation-wide Innovation Festival from 26 April to 15 May.

“From here on, the work is in building shared trust and understanding between businesses and encouraging one another to think of gains for businesses, in addition to their own,” says Mr Fawkes. “It is only with networking events and shared workshop forums that we will bring businesses together. A small core is already starting to share innovations, developments, tips and leads. But it’s only through this collaboration and partnership and with the benefit of sharing resources, particularly skilled staff, that we can draw more international business to Auckland.”

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