Our Spring Member briefings are a quality opportunity to stay current with developments in business. The team and I enjoy the interaction with you as we travel throughout the Business Central region.  A special greeting to so many regular guests at this event: we look forward to seeing you. 

Challenges and change 

It has been a challenging year for business. I seem to have expressed this sentiment for several years and differing challenges. Recessionary conditions have affected businesses across the board but change may be ahead. 

Easing labour supply is encouraging for employers as is the work programme of the current government. Inflation has fallen steadily, back to the Reserve Bank’s target range. 

Lower costs for businesses and consumers should provide a boost to demand. While growth remains slow, there are good foundations for a better 2025. 

The data tells us business is adapting  

Record levels of calls to our AdviceLine service aren’t just a sign of economic headwinds – they’re also proof of the efforts of business to adapt and respond when times are tough. 
 

Throughout this period, strong attendance at Business Central’s events has demonstrated that members are ready to build new relationships, connect with new customers and share knowledge for collective growth. In some cases, we are seeing a routine 20% to 25% increase in member numbers at our events.
 

Business Central has also been busy, providing our members opportunities to influence policy, invest in learning and development and access employment support.  
 

Government marks its first year 
 

This year’s Spring Member Briefings also mark one year since the election of a new coalition government. These first 12 months have been a key opportunity to engage with the government on behalf of members, and number of significant policy reforms that impact on business are now well underway. 
 

Infrastructure investments, Resource Management Act reforms, changes to immigration and employment relations will impact on business in the months to come.  
 

Regional headwinds  
 

Our region still faces a number of headwinds. Skills shortages, productivity, cost pressures, and rates make for many moving parts that require local and central government to understand the needs of business. 
 

We want to hear from you. Our Spring Member briefings are a key opportunity to talk about how policy impacts your business – and what we’re doing to represent you.   

A job well done: give yourselves credit 

Our members have proved resilient and resourceful through all of this, but this is terminology that doesn’t capture the pressure and uncertainty you have felt, or the fact that you rarely take a moment to yourselves credit for getting through the challenges. 

You and your business are valued members. We love that you’ve taken the time to join us and update yourself on a range of relevant issues. 

Business Central is here to support you as we navigate our way through all conditions. We encourage you to use the benefits of membership to the full extent in difficult times. Give us a call.

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Ngā mihi,

Simon Arcus
Chief Executive