One of NZ’s Largest Business Support Networks Created

Tuesday 7th December 2010

Two of the country’s largest business networks have announced today they are joining forces to provide more help for Kiwi business, in response to growing demand for business mentor support.

MYOB, the country’s leading supplier of business support services, will become a Partner Patron of Business Mentors New Zealand, a national network of volunteer, independent business mentors, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development and local economic development agencies and chambers of commerce.

Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand believes that MYOB’s patronage will enhance the business mentoring service: “We’re delighted that MYOB has come on board,” explains Ray.

“MYOB’s extensive business networks and experience, combined with our own, will enable us to create one of New Zealand’s largest networks of business mentors and advisers. It will be a unique and very exciting partnership.”

MYOB general manager Julian Smith says MYOB has identified a growing demand for professional mentoring support for New Zealand’s SME community through its regular research into the pressures local businesses face.

“Our regular MYOB Business Monitor survey has consistently highlighted Kiwi business’ need for greater mentoring support,” says Julian Smith.

“Our mission is to make life easier for Kiwi businesspeople – and a partnership with Business Mentors New Zealand is another great way to help achieve this.”

According to the latest MYOB Monitor, a survey of over 1000 businesses around New Zealand conducted by Colmar Brunton, 35% of New Zealand business owners believe having access to affordable and reliable business advice, when they need it, would have a significant affect on their business’ performance.

Julian Smith says MYOB believes promoting the Business Mentors service through the company’s own network of over 2,700 business advisors, accountants and technology experts will make a significant difference to the resources Kiwi business owners can call on.

“By offering the services of over 1600 business mentors, alongside our nationwide network of partners, advisors and experts, we believe we can make a real difference to the range of support available to local businesses in 2011 – wherever they are in the country.”

“By being able to promote this kind of support to our over 150,000 Kiwi business customers, we see a real potential to not only make life easier for business people looking for quality advice, but also an opportunity to make a real difference in the performance of businesses across the whole economy.”

Ray Schofield says MYOB’s commitment will make a real difference to the service Business Mentors New Zealand can offer.

“Business Mentors New Zealand is a non-profit organisation, which is largely funded by patrons from the private sector. Without the support of our sponsors, such as MYOB, we would not be able to keep providing our free mentoring service to companies across New Zealand.”

ENDS

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