Advisors help NZ companies accelerate growth in Australia

Experienced advisors help New Zealand companies accelerate growth within Australia

12 December 2013

New Zealand companies looking to expand into the Australia market will have access to high-level decision makers, key influencers, and business leaders as part of an expansion to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)’s Beachheads Advisor network.

Michelle Templer, NZTE Australia and Pacific Director, says Australia is a critical market for New Zealand when it comes to achieving our economic growth targets, including lifting exports and building more internationalised firms.

“New Zealand’s export profile to Australia is significantly more diverse and higher value than any other trading partner. Australia is our biggest trading partner, accounting for a fifth of our exports and 16 percent of imports.”

Templer adds that while Australia is a natural extension to the domestic market for many New Zealand companies, it is important to recognise significant key differences that are critical to ensuring success.

“Size, labour market conditions, the regulatory environment and business culture are different and companies can make the mistake of underestimating the complexity and competitiveness of the market.”

Beachheads Australia will connect New Zealand companies with successful senior business executives who will offer valuable insights and knowledge.

“These executives understand the realities of doing business internationally and are committed to sharing their knowledge, experience and networks for the growth of New Zealand. This will enable New Zealand companies to fully exploit market opportunities of scale and realise market expansion through identifying new channels, new niches, new partners and new equity.” says Templer.

NZTE’s Beachheads was launched in 2002 to accelerate companies’ growth in international markets. It is delivered by NZTE in partnership with private sector individuals and aimed at high-growth New Zealand businesses looking to grow internationally.

The Australia Beachheads Advisory Board is the 10th to be established by NZTE and will be chaired by Penny Flynn, an Executive Director of Client Relations at BDO Australia, one of Australia's largest associations of independently owned accounting practices.

“My vision is to see New Zealand companies expand in the market armed with full knowledge of the Australian landscape and how to do business successfully, both in terms of corporation law and governance, and finding their point of difference,” says Flynn.

Fellow board members include David Clarke, the former Chief Executive Officer of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited, Alan Munro, former Managing Director of Lenovo Australia New Zealand, Bev Booker, Group Company Secretary for Australand, and Ian Foote, Investor and Executive Chairman of Stridesports.

About the Australian Beachhead Advisory Board
Chair
Penny Flynn is an Executive Director, Client Relations at BDO Australia, one of Australia's largest associations of independently owned accounting practices.

With 25 years’ experience with the Big Four accounting firms, including 13 years as an insolvency practitioner, Penny has acquired strong expertise in major company reorganisations, reconstructions and consumer bankruptcies. In addition, Penny spent four years with Minter Ellison Lawyers heading their Brisbane Business Development and Marketing team.

Penny is also experienced in the area of business transformation projects with a strong interest in people skills development, leadership development and cultural change.

Penny is Chair of the Queensland Museum South Bank Advisory Committee, and is the Auckland Representative on the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Sister Cities Steering Committee. She holds a Liberal Arts degree, a Diploma in Insolvency Law, and a Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology Coaching.

Board members
• David Clarke
• Alan Munro
• Bev Booker
• Ian Foote

Biographies can be accessed at www.nzte.govt.nz/beachheads

About Beachheads
Beachheads connects participating companies to a network of private sector advisors in New Zealand and around the world who can act as mentors and provide insights into the realities of growing internationally successful businesses. It was launched in 2002 and is delivered by NZTE in partnership with the private sector.

Beachheads Australia is the 10th region established by NZTE, with Beachheads already established in North America, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, Japan, India, Europe and New Zealand.

How many companies use Beachheads?
To date, Beachheads has advanced over 300 New Zealand companies globally, with 110 companies currently working with Advisors around the world.

How many Beachheads advisors are there globally?
There are 100 Advisors in total; 25 of whom are expat New Zealanders; with 35 nationalities represented across the advisory network - making it a truly a global initiative.

What is New Zealand Trade and Enterprise?
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. Our role is to help New Zealand businesses grow bigger, better, faster in international markets.

ENDS

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