More to Export Success than Low Dollar

4th July 2007

NEWS RELEASE

`More to Export Success than Low Dollar and High Commodity Prices’

Trade Minister Extols Importance of Business Mentors `Export Experts’ Recruitment Drive

On the eve of his departure for the APEC trade talks in Brisbane, Trade Minister Phil Goff last night warned New Zealand exporters against dependence on a low exchange rate or cyclical commodity prices.

Speaking at a function to mark the new Business Mentors New Zealand `Export Experts’ recruitment drive he said: ` We should not rely on a low NZ dollar for export success or commodity prices for dairy products being at the top of the cycle to bolster our balance of payments. We need new ideas and firms capable of exporting those ideas. We’ve all heard of the curse of the three B’s – once a budding entrepreneur has acquired the bach, the beemer and the boat they lose their ambition. We need more people to hang on in there and move out of the comfort zone of the domestic market.

The extension of the mentoring programme in the export sector is very important for the development of growing companies. Business Mentors New Zealand offers expertise right across business management. It is very important to have advice from an empathetic mentor. You cannot put a price on the worth of the assistance.’

The event was hosted by Lumley General Insurance at its new building overlooking the port of Auckland. Lumley CEO Rieny Marck pointed out that in addition to insuring much of the export trade leaving the dockside; Lumley was one of a number of leading New Zealand companies keen to support the Business Mentors’ initiative.

He commented: `We are the third largest general insurer in New Zealand and have a particular focus on the SME area so through our association with Business Mentors it is natural for us to give something back.’

Business Mentors New Zealand already has 200 export mentors and is recruiting up to 100 additional people to act as mentors for exporters thanks to a new Government initiative.

According to Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors, the new initiative, part of Export 2007, will mean that businesses venturing into exporting for the first time and existing exporters can benefit from having a mentor look over their plans and give them much needed advice.

Since Business Mentors New Zealand was established in 1991 it has helped more than 40,000 New Zealand businesses. It is funded largely by patrons from the private sector, with additional support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Business Mentors NZ currently has a pool of about 1,400 mentors from throughout New Zealand but only a proportion of these are experienced exporters. As well as recruiting additional mentors, Business Mentors New Zealand will provide export-focussed training for both new and existing mentors. Mentors are volunteers and are not paid for their time, although they are reimbursed for expenses. Each mentor is usually available for at least four hours per month for mentoring assignments.

Businesses wishing to request a mentor can register their interest on-line at www.businessmentor.org.nz or by calling 0800-103-400

ENDS

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