North Canterbury’s first Business Centre opening November 2015

Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) has unveiled concept plans for the new Business Centre set to open in Kaiapoi, November 2015.

The Business Centre will offer all North Canterbury businesses a one-stop shop for everything from business advice and support, to district promotions and the use of the Business Centre’s exceptional facilities. The Business Centre will also see ENC’s whole team including Kaiapoi i-SITE and Visit Waimakariri co-located under one roof for the first time in its existence.

“This is a huge milestone for ENC. For the first time since its establishment in 2002 ENC are in a position to create this space for North Canterbury businesses,” said Nick Harris, Chair of ENC.

Harris adds, “ENC have built up reserves over the last 12 years to fund the set up costs without any additional cost to rate payers. ENC have also been successful in securing sponsorship to make this move a reality. The move will mean greater benefits at no added cost.”

Waimakariri District Mayor, David Ayers, believes the new Business Centre will provide a catalyst for further economic development in North Canterbury, especially Kaiapoi.

“There will be further benefits to the regeneration of Kaiapoi’s town centre by siting ENC’s new Business Centre in the heart of the town. The proposed location makes it close to the motorway, and the new building is able to incorporate both the i-SITE Visitor Centre and the Business Centre into one purpose built space”, said Mr Ayers.

Post-earthquake, business in Kaiapoi is certainly in a new phase of growth. Councillor Neville Atkinson, who holds the Council’s Rangiora and Kaiapoi Town Centres portfolio, agrees that the timing of ENC Business Centre’s establishment in Kaiapoi couldn’t be better.

Mr Atkinson said, “Revitalisation of Kaiapoi is well underway with more to come. Development to date includes the Blackwells Department Store, Coffee Culture and Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre. The addition of the ENC Business Centre is really going to complement what is already on offer and contribute to the growth of Kaiapoi”.

Local developer of PLC House Ltd, Jedd Pearce, is leading the Business Centre development and construction. Mr Pearce said, "We are very happy to work alongside a progressive organisation like ENC, and support their vision of enhancing the business community. The new building is near the river, which is the heart of the town. This is exciting for ENC and Kaiapoi's future, and we are proud to be part of it."

A collaborative effort from across the business community pledging both financial sponsorship and services has brought this initiative to fruition.

MainPower is one of many sponsors* that have pledged support as Corporate Sponsor. MainPower, Chief Executive Officer Bruce Emson said North Canterbury is a great place to do business and the centre will highlight opportunities available for economic development.

“As an essential service provider and community-owned company, MainPower is committed to supporting initiatives that will see the communities of North Canterbury prosper. Our ongoing partnership with Enterprise North Canterbury is evidence of this commitment and our determination to take a leadership role in the region by supporting the growth and diversity of the local economy”

Mr Emson adds, “We want to make North Canterbury a great place in which to do business. The establishment of a dedicated Business Centre is a sign of renewed confidence in the region and enhances North Canterbury’s capacity to support long-term economic growth,” said Mr Emson.

What’s on offer at the new ENC Business Centre?

• A 50 seat boardroom offering state-of-the-art digital conferencing that includes audio and visual technology, 18 seat board table

• 2 separate 6 seat meeting rooms and work spaces for casual use for small and/or rural businesses and their staff/client meetings

• Access to ultrafast broadband with free data for business use

• Easy online booking to hire spaces

New programmes and events include:

• Free monthly ‘Business Health Checks’

• North Canterbury Business Mentors NZ based in the facility for coaching and mentoring sessions
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• Breakfast events with Health and Safety, Inland Revenue, Immigration, Department of Labour and WINZ legislation

• Relevant ‘Lunch and Learns’

• Taster sessions for other training organisations

• Facilities for private functions

ENDS

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