Job Saving Ideas Flow at Waikato Job Summit

Media Release

23 March 2009

Job Saving Ideas Flow at Waikato Job Summit

Waikato business leaders attending today’s Waikato Job Summit touted Lean Thinking as one of the most immediate actions businesses can take to save local jobs.

Other ideas included sharing skilled workers in a labour pool; establishing a Critical Response Team where businesses in crisis can get immediate assistance; moving to a 10‐hour, 4‐day workweek to decrease overheads; and providing a Government grant to first‐time home buyers/renovators to rev up the construction industry.

The Waikato Job Summit was held today [note: 23 March] at the Glenview International Hotel and Conference Centre. Around 130 business, community and Government leaders attended. The sole focus of the Summit was to develop solutions for getting the region’s employers and employees through the economic downturn.

The Summit was organised by Hamilton city’s economic development agency, the Business Development Centre, and the Ministry of Social Development.

Business Development Centre Chief Executive, Sandra Perry, said the Hamilton Skills Action Group will now take the lead to ensure action happens.

“People really got stuck in today and provided some excellent immediate and long‐term solutions for saving and creating jobs in the Waikato. As a next step, the Hamilton Skills Action Group will screen and prioritise the ideas and tap businesses and agencies on the shoulder to lead implementation.

“Other ideas that require input and investment at a Central Government level and we’ll be putting those ideas up for the Government’s comment and consideration,” explained Mrs Perry.

The Hamilton Skills Action Group was formed in 2008 as an outcome of Hamilton City Council’s economic development strategy. It is led by the Business Development Centre and members include the University, Wintec, Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Development , Tertiary Education Commission, the Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Career Services.

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock urged attendees to go away from the Summit asking themselves, ‘how am I going to contribute to the job‐saving/creating solutions raised today?’

“I was really appreciative for the number of people putting their hands up to lead employment initiatives. I would encourage all attendees of the Job Summit that if they think they can implement some of the changes discussed today to save or create local jobs that they should just get on and do it. They don’t have to wait on a formal process,” said Mayor Simcock.

The Waikato Job Summit revolved around four workshop session, including: ‘Productivity – Protecting our Jobs;’ Skills for our Workforce;’ ‘Creating Jobs for our Region;’ and ‘Business Investment.’ Workshops were facilitated by local business leaders, including: John Cook of Stainless Design; Margaret Comer of Gallagher Group; Chris Williams of King St Advertising and Tony Kane of Phae Group.

John Cook said his productivity group discussed Lean Thinking extensively and he believes

“implementing Lean is just about the closest thing to a silver bullet for saving jobs. And, over the long‐term, I just about guarantee it will help a business create jobs. Plus, the great thing is you can implement the principles straight away and the benefits are not just limited to manufacturing companies – any business can put Lean Thinking concepts into practice.”

Lean Thinking is a set of techniques based on Japanese manufacturing principles, which work together to achieve increased productivity and profitability. Government funding – through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – exists to help businesses take part in Lean Thinking training.

The Business Development Centre runs free workshops for qualifying businesses. All ideas tabled at the Waikato Job Summit will be available on the Business Development Centre later in the week. A regular update on actions being taken and outcomes will also be regularly updated on the site: www.businessdevelopmentcentre.co.nz .

Sandra Perry said another working session will be had in the near future to keep businesses informed with progress following today’s Summit. Attendees of the Summit will be notified when a follow‐up session date is set.

ENDS

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