SME Research Hub welcomed by Chamber

SME Research Hub welcomed by Chamber

The launch of a SME Research Hub by the Government is a welcome and timely addition to the business scene, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

The hub was launched by Small Business Minister Steven Joyce at a luncheon hosted by the Chamber today. Professor Delwyn Clarke, Associate Dean Research at Waikato University’s Management School, also gave a presentation on the hub. Mr Joyce also released the first Small Business Sector Report, providing detailed information on New Zealand’s 459,000 small businesses.

Raewyn Bleakley said the addition of the hub was particularly welcome because of the importance of the sector to the New Zealand economy.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the development of an online repository of resource material recognises that and will give owners somewhere they can access the latest material that will help them work smarter and build their businesses.

“The hub is also timely because it comes just as many of these businesses have weathered a rough ride in the economic storm of recent years, confidence is increasing, and they are now in build mode.

“The Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with help from Treasury, should be congratulated on this initiative.

“The Small Business Sector Report reflects just how valuable the sector is, contributing 28% of New Zealand’s GDP and employing some 584,000 people, so it’s vital it gets the best support available.

“It’s also great to see the report talking about central and local government not wrapping small businesses up in red tape and allowing them to succeed, grow and create jobs.

“Cutting red tape further is a vital ingredient for business and the Chamber will continue to advocate for further initiatives to do just that.”

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