8 October 2004

Business Support Essential To 'Go Ahead'

Business support for the 'Go Ahead' campaign will ultimately determine just how successful Council's promotional campaign is, says Kirk MacGibbon, Hutt City Council's Communications Manager.

"Council has in essence laid the infrastructure or platform for the campaign, and to really get the campaign moving we will be looking for businesses to take up the brand and use it to promote their commitment to the Hutt," said Kirk MacGibbon.

"We have organised a number of meetings over the next couple of weeks with key businesses that we would like to see becoming part of the campaign."

"I am sure that once we have a few businesses on board and others see how the brand is being used, momentum will build and perceptions about the Hutt will change over time."

Council has put $180,000 in to the first year of the campaign ($20,000 was used last financial year for research to guide campaign development) and $200,000 for each of the next two years.

The focus will be on Hutt residents and businesses this year, with the campaign being rolled out regionally over the next two years.

"At a primary level, the campaign is about giving people belief in their city, and communicating that there is a coordinated and strategic vision for the city as a dynamic and 'go ahead' city that is looking forward and is confident about our position in the region."

"A successful campaign will result in the Hutt being seen as a desirable place to do business and a great place to live."

"That has benefits in terms of attracting and retaining businesses as well as skilled workers for those businesses.

The latest available Statistics NZ figures show that 176 businesses were created in the Hutt over the past 12 months to March 2004.

ENDS

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