Shining Stars At Seminars
Small Business Expo Features Inspirational Speakers At Free Microsoft Seminars
Auckland, 8 May 2006 – The Microsoft Seminar Series, a major initiative of the Small Business Expo, the largest ever
event for small business in New Zealand, will feature four keynote speakers and over 35 inspirational speakers including
some of the biggest names in business, organisers Sarah Trotman and Associates announced today.
Small Business Sector Specialist, Sarah Trotman has coordinated a wide range of quality speakers such as lawyers,
accountants, graphic designers, government ministers and senior executives from major corporations who will offer
practical advice and help for the small business owner. Speakers at the Microsoft Seminar Series are all experts in
their fields who have experienced and overcome the problems small business owners face.
Hon. David Cunliffe, Minister of Information Technology will open Friday morning of the Small Business Expo which is
dedicated to technology. The Minister will discuss his knowledge and experience from the public sector, as well his
previous business expertise as a consultant on strategic, economic and organizational issues in high technology and
finance areas.
Trotman says “The issues discussed will be useful for anyone in business, particularly those who own a small to medium
enterprise. The speakers are vastly experienced in their respective fields and will cover some extremely relevant and
practical areas of interest to the SME sector.”
“Anyone thinking of starting their own business should attend, as the information provided will be given by those who
have been there, and you can pick up some great ideas and learn from their experience and considerable business acumen.”
Along with imparting helpful business tips and strategies across a broad range of sectors, people attending the Small
Business Expo will also hear inspiring stories about Kiwi ingenuity and entrepreneurial determination to succeed.
Trotman says that Peter Bassett, who co-founded Laser Electrical with David Clemmett in 1983 at the age of 20, typifies
such ingenuity and entrepreneurial zeal in the SME sector.
“From Peter’s vision and drive, Laser grew rapidly to become one of Auckland’s largest electrical companies. In 1999,
the company franchised the business model & has now grown to employ approximately 1,000 employees with a turnover of over $100 million.”
Trotman says that all of the speakers at the Microsoft Seminar Series have unique experiences to share with the
audiences over the three days of the Expo.
“Another great example is Annah Stretton who started Stretton Clothing 10 years ago and is also the Chairperson for
Fashion Industry NZ Board as well as the editor of Her Business Magazine. Her company has now grown to include 28 sites
and has over 120 employees so she has a great story to tell other small business owners.”
Additional organisations with speakers at the seminars include Te Puni Kokiri, the Employers and Manufacturers
Association (EMA), Microsoft, Business to Business Magazine, and Massey University.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, which is also a sponsor of the Small Business Expo, will have Euan Purdie, Manager
Business Development, give presentations on two occasions at the Microsoft Seminar Series on the topic of ‘Helping with
Growing Your Business’.
Other key sponsors of the Small Business Expo are Vero, Microsoft, Vodafone, the Employers and Manufacturers Association
(EMA), the New Zealand Herald, and Newstalk ZB.
Unlimited entry to the Microsoft Seminar Series across the three days is free for the Small Business Expo attendees. The
Small Business Expo commences on 10 May at the ASB Showgrounds and concludes on Friday 12 May. With over 4,000 tickets
already sold, attendees should be quick to register at www.businessexpo.co.nz to secure a ticket and to guarantee a place at the Microsoft Seminar Series.
ENDS