NEW BUSINESS FRIENDLY TOOLS AND INFORMATION PORTAL

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) is starting to implement the feedback it received from local businesses during their ‘cut the red tape’ meetings aimed at helping council become more business friendly.

The ‘business friendly’ meetings were part of council implementing its ten year economic development strategy called Growing Ruapehu 2015-25 that was adopted in parallel with the Long Term Plan this year.

A key objective of the strategy is to help Ruapehu communities focus on what actions are needed over the next ten years to encourage economic development.

RDC Economic Development Manager, Warren Furner, said that one of the bigger messages to come out of the meetings was a call for council to do more to foster existing relationships and have strong, reliable and consistent methods of communication.

“Local businesses are asking council to help them better understand the regulatory environment that they need to contend with and for council to better understand the issues they face,” he said.

“This includes such things as helping them understand any changes to regulations that affect them and understanding what consents they need to comply with for the activities they are undertaking.”

“In addition businesses are saying they want access to a range of Ruapehu specific information that can help them make better informed decisions.”

Mr Furner said that in response council has set up a ‘helpful resources’ section under economic development on its website.

“This provides Ruapehu specific research, information and statistics as well as a digital hub that provides information on internet tools, training and skills and available internet services.”

“The Ruapehu research, information and statistics page provides a range of community and economic data which provides an insight into Ruapehu’s current economy, employment, productivity, business growth, standard of living, workforce and key tourism and retail data.”

“Council is hoping the data will assist both established businesses and people planning to start a business to make better informed decisions and minimise risk.”

“Anyone starting a business should contact council early in the planning process.”

“We can assist with a range of helpful services and advice that can help ensure a successful venture.”

ENDS

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