Buddy scheme proposed to help Christchurch businesses

A Wellington firm has set up a new service to help Christchurch businesses recover from the earthquakes with the help of businesses in other New Zealand centres.

The "Buddy a Business" scheme enables businesses to provide their expertise at a 50 per cent discount to earthquake-affected Christchurch companies and for a “Buddy” to top up the balance, making it free for Christchurch companies.

Chartered accountant Wayne Campbell says the scheme grew from the idea that business owners away from Christchurch want to help but are reluctant to without knowing the recipient.

Mr Campbell, a former Christchurch resident who now lives in Wellington, says several of his clients from outside Canterbury said to him they would like to help but did not want to donate to a fund that may evaporate in administration costs.

Mr Campbell was in Christchurch on Boxing Day, when the large aftershock occurred, and on February 22, when the most devastating earthquake hit the city.

He says it was quickly obvious that businesses would survive only if they receive significant outside assistance.

"I came up with a scheme we're calling Buddy a Business that enables each 'buddy' to be personally connected to a Christchurch business in need," Mr Campbell says. "The 'buddy' agrees to pay part of a business expense, for a set period of time on behalf of the Christchurch business. In each case a supply company will be equally involved, by providing their services at a special discount of up to 50 per cent for the same period. So, the buddy's contribution plus the supplier's discount means the beneficiary has its expenses paid while it attempts to re-establish itself."

Mr Campbell's firm, Accounts Online, and a web development company, Uprise, are the first two companies to offer their services.

He urges any business owners interested in helping either as a buddy or supplier to register on the website www.buddyabusiness.co.nz .

ENDS

© Scoop Media