Businesswomen unite to plan for future prosperity

Kiwi businesswomen unite to plan for future prosperity

A recent meeting of New Zealand businesswomen - including some of the country’s top corporate and entrepreneurial talent - proved they have emerged from the recession better-equipped to grow their operations and are enthusiastic about helping their peers to do so as well.

The 12th annual Bloom Forum and Awards, held in conjunction with Her Magazine at the Heritage Auckland Hotel from June 23 to 24, was attended by about 100 delegates eager to exchange ideas, acquire new knowledge and skills and build and strengthen relationships.

Television presenter turned Hamilton City councillor Kay Gregory hosted the event; sharing her story with delegates and encouraging them to make the most of the distinctive marketplace forum designed to enable women to do business, not just talk about it.

Mary Devine, a director of Meridian Energy and McKenzie & Willis, was one of ten high-profile businesswomen to speak at the event, sharing knowledge gleaned over her 20-year career in senior management roles. The former chief executive of EziBuy and managing director of Max Fashion, who now also works as a business consultant, advised on corporate strategy, marketing and staff development, drawing examples from her experience spearheading EziBuy’s online strategy and expansion into the Australian market.

Bloom organiser Annah Stretton described this year’s line-up of speakers as “particularly strong and relevant to small business” and key to the forum’s strategy for helping women enhance and grow their businesses.

“As much as the information [the speakers] so willingly share through their presentations is important, it is more about the delegates taking time away from their businesses to invest in their own knowledge and grow themselves,” she said. “The women who attended the 2010 forum have come away with a focussed plan of action for the next 12 months as well as an extended network of support - both vital ingredients for their businesses’ continued sustainability.”

A combination of established businesspeople and rising stars, other speakers at the forum included: Jane Hunter, who has received an OBE (and numerous other accolades) for her services to the wine industry; and journalist and broadcaster turned communications business owner Susan Wood. Sarah Gibbs of Trilogy, Dr Mike Ashby of National Business Coaching, Corinne Callinan of CxC, Jenny Morel of No 8 Ventures and Catherine Livingstone of Mission Impossible (and The Apprentice New Zealand TV show fame) also shared knowledge acquired over their very diverse careers.
A highlight of the forum was the 2010 Bloom Her Businesswoman of the Year Awards ceremony on the evening of June 23, which was attended by about 150 guests, including finalists, their families and other key members of the business community.

Casey Martin of Taranaki-based Eagars Funeral Services took out the supreme title of Her Businesswoman of the Year; while many others were recognised for their achievements in everything from running micro and SME businesses to their commitment to their peers and the wider community.

Feedback from event organisers and delegates suggests it proved an invaluable educational and networking experience for attendees; inspiring and assisting many to change the way they operate.

Louisa Currie, co-founder of online baby boutique Belly Beyond, described the forum as “the proverbial kick in the pants” she and business partner Heidi Riley needed.

“Bloom was spectacular,” she enthused the day after the forum concluded. “Heidi and I came away with a much clearer idea of where we want to get to in the next 12 months - and how we’re going to do it.”

The future of New Zealand business seems to be in very capable (female) hands.

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