Local businesses now supported to enter the world stage

Media Release. 25 November 2010. For Immediate Release.

Local businesses now supported to enter the world stage

The latest addition to the Nature Coast Enterprise's business team will accelerate the growth of local innovation and products to the world stage.

Jeff Smith is the new Business Growth Advisor at Nature Coast and his new role creates a whole new level of activity within the existing business team. Mr Smith will focus on established businesses, especially those who have a national focus and exporting potential.

His role is a collaboration between Grow Wellington (the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Regional Economic Development Agency), and is one of five similar roles across the Wellington region.

"We're all very excited about this new role," says Mr Smith. "I'll be targeting companies who can make a real difference to the local economy - they are the ones creating employment and producing income for the region."

Nature Coast Enterprise's Chief Executive, Chris Barber, says the time is right for this new level of expertise and business growth support. "We are the fastest growing region in the New Zealand," says Mr Barber. "More infrastructure is on the way, there's the airport development, and there are some fantastic businesses doing great things. Jeff's new role will help them achieve a whole new level of success."

Mr Smith will work alongside Nature Coast's Business Development Managers Lorraine Hoggard and Helene Judge. Mrs Hoggard creates and delivers training and advisory services, while Miss Judge focuses on emerging businesses, networking, and business clinics.

"We'll all be working closely together, says Mr Smith."We can now be more proactive with identifying and supporting the real stars of this business community. Businesses shouldn't be shy about wanting to grow quickly, or reach the world stage. They should know that we can throw an expert or two their way, or someone to help them commercialise and export a good idea."

Mr Smith has held CEO positions with the Northland Chamber of Commerce and Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, as well as working with Wanganui's Economic Development Agency. He has owned a series of businesses himself, in the food distribution and bulk transportation industries.

"I know what it to work hard is," says Mr Smith. "And because I live in Kapiti I know what it is to have this great lifestyle. But just because some of us may spend more time at the beach than others, it doesn't mean we can't have customers internationally. We want to talk to those people who want that."

ENDS

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