Extension to Recover Canterbury Service

25 June 2012

Extension to Recover Canterbury Service

Canterbury’s dedicated post-quake business support service will continue to operate until the end of April 2013.

Recover Canterbury was established after the earthquakes by the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce , the Canterbury Development Corporation and various Government agencies to work directly with earthquake-affected businesses to help accelerate their recovery. The organisation was initially funded to operate until 30 June 2012.

Recover Canterbury Chairman Bruce Irvine says on-going seismic events and the subsequent impacts on infrastructure, people and businesses has left some Canterbury businesses in a fragile state and in need of extra support.

“While some businesses have recovered and others are enjoying a surge in activity post-quake, a number of businesses are still struggling with earthquake-related issues and need dedicated, targeted help for longer to fully recover and prosper,” says Mr Irvine.

The extension to Recover Canterbury’s services is possible thanks to additional funding from the Ministry of Economic Development and the support of other Government agencies, the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation.

“The continued support of the Government and Recover Canterbury’s partner organisations will enable those businesses that are still in need of help to get support that will be crucial for them, their community and the wider Canterbury economy,” says Mr Irvine.

Recover Canterbury currently has 20 Business Recovery Coordinators who work directly with earthquake-affected businesses providing free support and advice, referrals to agencies or professional services, access to training and, for eligible business, financial assistance.

Over the next ten months Recover Canterbury will work to create stronger, more confident businesses in Canterbury by providing targeted tools and services that accelerate their recovery and support their long term growth and prosperity. Recover Canterbury will also work with public and private sector agencies and organisations to connect businesses to those providing long-term business advice and support.

Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Peter Townsend says the confirmation that Recover Canterbury will continue is great news for the Canterbury business community.

“The level of support Canterbury businesses have needed, and continue to need, is unprecedented. We are proud to be part of an organisation that can now continue to deliver targeted, earthquake-specific support to ensure businesses not only survive this complex and difficult time, but recover and grow,” says Mr Townsend.

Canterbury Development Corporation Chief Executive Tom Hooper says Recover Canterbury has delivered some tremendous outcomes to date in terms of providing real and meaningful support which has enabled businesses to get back on their feet.

“Recover Canterbury is a unique organisation that only came about because of the exceptional circumstances our community was facing but the Recover Canterbury initiative is paying huge dividends both for the local business community and the wider Canterbury economy. We’re delighted to be part of this initiative which we hope will pave the way for future collaboration in the business support space into the future,” says Mr Hooper.

Recover Canterbury will target assistance towards viable Canterbury businesses or groups of businesses that have a strong potential for recovery and growth, while also remaining responsive to business needs that arise from the changing business environment.

“Recover Canterbury will also proactively work on key areas it has identified as fundamental for business recovery and success, such as working with CERA in relation to the CBD cordon reduction and proactively assisting businesses facing relocation or repair. Recover Canterbury’s services also have an important role as part of the overall economic recovery programme and we will be working closely with CERA and the Christchurch Central Development Unit on this programme,” says Mr Irvine.

Recover Canterbury – The Numbers So Far:

Since its establishment Recover Canterbury has:

• Been in contact with around 6,700 Canterbury businesses
• Provided in-depth support to around 1,300 businesses
• Assisted more than 325 businesses receive financial support from the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust, which has distributed $5 million in grants and loans
• Helped 264 businesses access the Red Cross’ Independent Advice for Small Business grant
• Worked with more than 540 Canterbury businesses to help them access training for business owners or managers through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Capability Building voucher scheme
• Assisted nine groups of businesses to promote the reopening of or reestablishment of various precincts around Canterbury, such as Victoria Street, Edgeware Village, Sydenham, Papanui, Sumner, Lyttelton.

ENDS

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