‘Total package’ for Waikato businesses

‘Total package’ for Waikato businesses

The Waikato Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Waikato Chamber of Commerce have teamed-up to deliver ‘a total package’ of collaboration to support the success of Waikato businesses.

The two organisations have always worked closely together but recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly fund scholarships to encourage people to undertake governance training. The commitment to collaborate has since extended to events, training and business awards. And that’s just a start.

The Chair of the Waikato IoD, Margaret Devlin, says there is a natural synergy between the Chamber of Commerce and the IoD.

“The Chamber supports the growth of business and the natural progression which leads to the appointment of Boards and Directors which is where the IoD comes in promoting and supporting excellence in corporate governance.

“There is a very real opportunity to combine forces to promote, inspire, advocate and engage across business. It’s a symbiotic relationship; we each have a contribution to make to the overall success of the region and we will work together where we can to advance that.

“Business people wear a number of hats – directors, business owners, executives etc - but what is common in the Waikato is a desire to engage with the wider business community to grow and be more effective. Directors and executives are always looking to improve their networks and our role is as a catalyst, creating an environment where relationships can form.”

William Durning, Chief Executive of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce said the Waikato region is “at the heart of New Zealand’s economic and global success.

“Within a two hour drive of the Waikato there are more than two million New Zealanders doing business, two of the largest ports for trading inwards and outwards and the country’s largest airport. More and more businesses are relocating to the Waikato wanting to capitalise on the tertiary, scientific, research, industrial and talent which we have in abundance.

“Our business community is thriving and this collaboration is about making it easy to make the connections and create the opportunities for the next phase of your career or business growth.

“Growth often relies on inspiration and innovation and our collaboration with the IoD has enabled a series of events which regularly bring the best financial and business minds to this region. We’ve had a great response to these initiatives with more than 200 people coming to listen to Bill English’s post budget address, 80 people attending a luncheon with KiwiRail’s John Spencer and Peter Reidy, and 120 coming to hear Dr John McDermott, Assistant Governor with the Reserve Bank.”

The Westpac Waikato Business Excellence Awards are one of the highest profile events held in the region facilitated by the Waikato Chamber of Commerce with wide-ranging corporate sponsorship and support. The IoD provides experienced directors who review the strategic and business plans of entrants, providing an independent perspective on improvement opportunities which many applicants say is invaluable.

Margaret Devlin said the ethos of the Business Excellence Awards “is what this collaboration with the Chamber is all about.

“This is about providing Waikato businesses with opportunities to grow and reach the next level of success. It’s about putting the Waikato region firmly where it should be - at the heart of New Zealand’s economic success.”

ENDS

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