July Event - Tomorrow!

This month we're changing the format of our regular monthly event slightly to host a special Expert Panel Discussion on Christchurch Software Recruitment after the quake. We will also be hearing from CEO of Powerhouse Ventures, Stephen Hampson and Ian Wells from Trimble.

When: Tomorrow, 5 July, 5.00pm registration & drinks, 5.30pm start

Where: NZi3, University of Canterbury, 69 Creyke Road

Cost: Free for members, $10 on the door for non-members

Register: To register for this event, please click here and register on our website

Stephen Hampson - Powerhouse Ventures

As CEO of business incubation and seed capital investment company, Powerhouse Ventures, Dr Stephen Hampson will provide an update on Powerhouse Ventures' focus within the incubation space here in Canterbury; and, in particular, how the company aims to contribute to the growth of the technology sector following recent events. He will also provide an update on some of the exciting emerging technologies the company is currently working with.

Stephen Hampson has substantial practical experience developing and commercialising new products in both Europe and New Zealand. His background includes working as Managing Director of a technology company based in Holland which quickly became the market leader, growing to $20M turnover. Returning to New Zealand in 2001, he took up the position as Chief Executive of Canterbury Innovation Incubator (Cii). Through his work at Cii, Stephen has become internationally recognised as a leading authority on both business incubation and technology incubation. In 2006, Powerhouse Ventures Ltd was established to invest in emerging technology ventures. As Chief Executive of Powerhouse Ventures, Stephen now manages multiple incubators (one at each of the universities and, prior to Christchurch's February 2011 earthquake, one in the central city) and funds (proof of concept and a growth fund).

Ian Wells - Trimble

Hiring undergraduate students: a kiwi way
Trimble's GIS Data Collection Division Testing group here in Christchurch has hired full-time undergraduate student interns continuously for the last 3 years. The intern program has been a success both from a business point of view and student education point of view. Up to a year ago, I hired students from overseas (University of Waterloo, Canada). I continually sought ways to hire Kiwi students but found no such way. Trimble business needs changed a year ago and I realized undergraduate intern students who could work for us for a full year would best meet business needs. I had to rethink and I am starting to find a way, a Kiwi way.

Find out how I now hire Kiwi students to contribute to our business success. Meet some of our Trimble student interns.

Ian Wells is manager of the testing group at the Geographic Information System Data Collection division at Trimble Navigation Christchurch. This division designs and builds industry-leading ruggedized high accuracy GPS data collection systems that are sold world wide. www.trimble.com/mgis

Expert Panel: The Christchurch software recruitment market -Retaining and attracting talent after the earthquake

A panel of leading Christchurch HR managers and consultants will get together to discuss:
• the current state of the market
• what are the pressing issues right now and how we can solve them
• how we continue to retain, invest in and attract talent in these difficult times
• and what the long term HR strategies should be for Christchurch-based software companies

These HR experts will share expert knowledge and advice on hiring and retaining staff in Christchurch today:
• Colleen Bardsley - HR Director, Jade Software
• Michelle Bishop (nee Berry), Owner, Sourced Specialised Recruitment
• Heidi Griffiths, Consultant, Farrow Jamieson Recruitment
• Steve Baker, Christchurch Branch Director, Enterprise Recruitment

Come along to the Cluster meet-up and bring your questions for the panel.

Third annual study of sales and marketing by Kiwi technology exporters

Want to benchmark your sales and marketing activity against other Kiwi tech companies? Complete the online survey at www.marketmeasures.co.nz and contribute to the annual survey of how Kiwi tech companies take their innovations to market.

The survey will be open until 15 July 2011, and results made available by September 2011.
Concentrate and Swaytech are the organisers of the survey, which is sponsored by PwC.

Click here to take the 2011 Market Measures survey.

Canterbury Software Cluster | PO Box 13-910 | Christchurch | Canterbury | New Zealand

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