Business almost usual: Christchurch business leaders gather

14 March 2011

Media release – for immediate release

Business almost usual: Christchurch business leaders gather to plan a return to BAU

Approximately 100 business leaders and decision makers from businesses affected by the 22 February earthquake are gathering in Christchurch tomorrow (Tuesday 15 March) at the Response and Rebuild Forum organised by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

Inland Revenue Chief Executive and Commissioner Bob Russell and Westpac Head of Business Banking South Island John Brophy will be speaking at the forum along with experts on business interruption insurance.

NZICA Chief Executive Terry McLaughlin said the Chartered Accountants Response and Rebuild Forum would give members in Christchurch an opportunity to identify their immediate priority issues as well as discuss the practical solutions necessary to secure Christchurch’s long-term financial future.

“NZICA has brought this group of decision-makers together to identify the business continuity issues they are facing and determine what support will be most useful from organisations like ourselves, and our private and public sector partners, to return them to an operational state” Mr McLaughlin said.

“NZICA members in public practice support and advise about 90% of small businesses in Canterbury. The Response and Rebuild Forum provides them with an opportunity to share their knowledge about the business recovery actions and strategies that are providing effective. Beyond that, the attendees will develop perspectives on a longer-term response that will ensure Christchurch businesses remain viable in the future.

“The forum is not about pie-in-the-sky stuff. I am expecting it to generate practical outcomes that are designed by and for the businesses that have been affected by the earthquake,” Mr McLaughlin said.

ENDS

About NZICA
NZICA is the membership body of choice for over 32,000 accounting and business professionals, working around New Zealand and across the globe. We act in the public interest through regulating the profession, developing financial reporting standards and promoting quality, integrity and expertise. Our members hold one of three prestigious professional accountancy designations: Chartered Accountant (CA), Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) or Accounting Technician (AT).

ENDS

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