In this issue of Channel Mag a focus is Women in Business. The past 15 months have been some of the hardest ever for business people all over the world. It has been a period that has tested the resilience of businesses and those leading them. So we decided to have a chat to six local women who have been in the thick of things with six quite different businesses. Katie Noble from Allied Medical, Caroline Everitt of Devonport Chocolates, Dallas Pendergrast from Glenfield Mall, Jenny Joblin of retail brand Federation, Janet Marshall of Colliers International and Brynyce Owen of Moving Made Easy. Impressive people!
Katie Noble – helping people do what’s important to them
Northcote Point local, Katie Noble, started Allied Medical back in 1998 with her father Ken. It’s fair to say she’s extremely passionate about the business, but she’s also a mum, wife, business mentor to other women and committed board member to a variety of organisations. Channel Magazine talks COVID, being a woman in business on the Shore and why she enjoys a good cup of tea!
Northcote Point local, Katie Noble, started Allied Medical back in 1998 with her father, Ken. It’s fair to say she’s extremely passionate about the business, but she’s also a mum, wife, business mentor to other women and committed board member to a variety of organisations. Allied Medical specialises in products that make everyday tasks easier for older members of our community and those living with a disability, they employ around 40 people and have over 14,000 stock lines – covering everything from powerchairs to wrist braces to memory aids to specialised standing frames for children. Their products come from around the world – they have around 75 global brands and hold contracts with the likes of ACC and the Ministry of Health to supply these products nationally. Katie, who grew up on the Shore, is a very proud Trustee of Shore Junction and until very recently Make A Wish New Zealand. She is also chair of the Assistive Technology Suppliers Association of New Zealand and is a Board member of the New Zealand Chapter of EO (Entrepreneurs Organisation). She’s married to Kevin and has nine year old daughter, Lucie. Their family just expanded further with a chocolate lab puppy Hoover joining them earlier this month.
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence…
Katie Noble: I lead and develop Allied Medical to ensure we provide assistive technology product solutions that allow people to get on with doing what is important to them – whether it be a spoon that allows someone to easily feed themselves or a powerchair that lets them get out and be a part of their local community.
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
KN: I changed my mind a lot while I was growing up as to what I wanted to do but I always knew that whatever I ended up doing would involve people. Planning has never really been my thing, I’m very much someone who is open to what comes my way and just gets on with it. Luckily, one of the best opportunities I’ve had was my father’s suggestion that we build a business together and I have never looked back. I love leading a team of talented people who really care about the end users of our products and I still get a kick out of seeing someone in one of our wheelchairs out and about somewhere that I am.
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
KN: As an essential business, we have had to keep learning how to get on with doing what needs to be done. It hasn’t always been easy as our clients are all vulnerable and we have had to be extra careful with how we interact with them. We’ve needed to communicate more as a team and come up with different solutions that have meant we can keep getting our products to those who need them. There was also time to focus on some projects that we’ve always wanted to do including stepping up our online client education which has just gone from strength to strength. We have also developed a number of new sales channels, people wanted to stay safe at home and our products help people to do this. We’ve improved our website further to help people work out for themselves what products will work best for their needs and they can get on with doing what’s important to them – safely.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
KN: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’ve all had to start somewhere and people who are running their own businesses are generally happy to share what we’ve learnt and what you need to look out for. My mantra is always make new mistakes and if I can share some of these with others to stop them from making the same ones, it’s even better.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
KN: Definitely stronger. We’ve managed to get rid of quite a bit of waste within internal processes and we are using technology in so many more ways. We’ve also changed our internal structure so we are better prepared to scale our business – the population in New Zealand is going to keep ageing until 2048 so we have lots of growth ahead! Like many businesses that sell online, our sales are growing steadily and we’re just about to start selling into Australia, something that we wanted to do for a long time and have been able to make a reality thanks to more time to focus in this area.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
KN: Super important! It's been lots of small things that have really made the difference – the casual conversations with other business owners at our local café (Albatross in Triton Drive – Danny and Michelle are incredibly hard workers and make the best cheese scones on the Shore) about how they are handling the curve balls that Covid was firing at us were often the best parts of the day. Everyone was learning together and our business community is incredibly open and supportive – often those 5 minute conversations gave you a gem that set you back on a good track – and also boosted your energy. During the pandemic, it really felt like it was everyone helping everyone – you wanted to see every local business get through and people did whatever they could personally to make this happen.
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support businesses going forward following the pandemic?
KN: Definitely continue to provide employers with the tools to support their teams in regard to different mental health challenges. The pandemic has impacted everyone differently and the effects are going to be long lasting. We’re often the first person employees talk to and we need to make sure that we are able to help out and also know what other mechanisms are on hand to offer what people need.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
KN: Look back on all the silver linings it bought, both personally and professionally. Looking after myself has been key to helping my family and my team get through and I’m definitely going to keep up the good habits that I developed. I’m looking forward to travelling again and while I won’t ever be back to travelling as much as I was previously for business (we’ve definitely been able to do so much virtually now and this won’t change), I sure am looking forward to hitting some of my favourite shopping destinations – especially for some new shoes! Personally, the pandemic has made juggling work and home life a whole lot easier. Recently my daughter was unwell and I needed to stay home from work to look after her. Every single one of my meetings was on Teams or Zoom and my day proceeded exactly as planned – with no added drama or explanations – and I was still on hand for my daughter. A great way to balance the working mum juggle.
CM: What’s the best part about being a woman in business on the Shore?
KN: Working in this part of Auckland always feels optimistic and we have so many great businesses on the go – from start-ups to global legends. I also have some great connections with other women who are running businesses on the North Shore. Last year I started mentoring through Business North Harbour’s Women in Leadership Mentoring Programme which has helped to make even more positive connections. There are so many good businesses in our community – it is really motivating to learn more about them and know that we can all help each other to succeed even more – both professionally and personally.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
KN: Tea Total – as a tea drinker, this business imports tea from around the world and blends them especially for New Zealander’s taste buds. It is run by an equally clever female entrepreneur, Shelley Magee – through whom I have learnt lots about the benefits of drinking tea, and especially just taking time out to enjoy a good cuppa.
Thanks Katie! For more on her business, Allied Medical, go to their website www.alliedmedical.co.nz
Caroline Everitt – Chocolate and singing are her bread and butter
Caroline Everitt is the Marketing and Retail Director for Devonport Chocolates, a family run business and Devonport institution. Channel Magazine chatted to her about her business, the impact of the pandemic and all things chocolate!
Caroline says she’s been in and out of the family business since she left university but her latest stint has been 12 years and she reckons it's absolutely flown by. She has an array of marketing experience, having been a marketing and sales co-ordinator at Estee Lauder Companies in both New Zealand and in the UK and working as a Category Manager for Life Pharmacy. When she's not in the family business, Caroline can be found teaching singing and performing, the most recent performance was in Mary Poppins as Mrs Banks at The Civic Theatre last year. Channel Magazine chatted to her about her business, the impact of the pandemic, the support of locals and all things chocolate!
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence…
Caroline Everitt: Wow that's hard! At Devonport Chocolates we make and sell beautiful handcrafted chocolates and I am responsible for our marketing, website, a spot of design and our retail stores.
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
CE: I can honestly say I had no idea my family would own a Chocolate business when I was growing up. I was one of those teenagers who didn’t really have a clear idea of what they wanted to do, I’ve just tried to make the most of the opportunities that came my way. I actually said to a friend the other day that I still didn’t know what I want to do when I grow up (and I’m 41!)
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
CE: COVID-19 has seriously impacted our business as we had a significant part of our business in tourism, whether we were supplying hotels and duty free stores or hosting tourists at our own stores. It has also affected us and our staff in terms of constant changes and having to learn that the unpredictable is now the norm. Locals have been amazing at supporting us and we would not have survived without their understanding and generous support, especially at Christmas and Easter. We pretty much sold out of Easter chocolates and were still making right up to Easter weekend. We sincerely apologise to customers who came in for something and we didn’t have it, we just couldn’t predict accurately what we needed and couldn’t take the risk of having stock left over.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
CE: On a completely practical side, have a budget, know where your cashflow stands and know how you will pay your first year of bills, make a one page business plan and then marketing plan. On the other side, believe in yourself and ask for help when you need it – your friends and family will be only too happy to help.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
CE: We think we might have a quiet winter coming up but with the bubble opening with Australia I may be proved wrong (I hope I am!). We have weathered the pandemic better than we thought which is really reassuring. All those processes and systems we have in place paid off (I love a good efficient system). We are really optimistic about the next year as we slowly open up to the rest of the world.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
CE: So, so important and they have been AMAZING!
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support businesses going forward following the pandemic?
CE: None that I can think of to be honest. There could always be more support but we are a small country and our tax dollars only go so far, and I think we need to be realistic in that regard. To the community, I’d just say to keep supporting local where you can. The Boosted campaign is interesting in terms of helping small businesses gain an idea of how to move more into digital, however I know a lot of small business owners are struggling more than ever and don’t have the time to actually action anything, they are too busy managing the day to day and tend to be in more of a survival mindset than looking to the future.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
CE: Go to New York. A New Zealand friend of mine who lives in London and I have decided to meet in the middle (that is after I have visited all the places on my New Zealand list first).
CM: What’s the best part about being a woman in business on the Shore?
CE: In Devonport in particular we have a really supportive network. A lot of us are also in retail and we are all still here after last year. We don’t catch up officially but as we walk past each other on the street we will stop for a chat. We boost each other up and share supplier contacts as needed to help each other out.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
CE: There are so many in Devonport, and run by women too! Miller Road Candles are stunning to look at and smell divine. Kim has a stationery store in Devonport called Fitzgerald Taylor, I find it very hard to resist a new notebook or pen. Laura from Echo Boutique has the most incredible energy of anyone I have ever met and will go out of her way to help people and charities, the wonderful women in Cosi Fan Tutte will have that perfect gift, don’t forget Paradox books, basically come to Devonport for a shop and you will support some amazing business women.
Thank you Caroline! To buy Devonport Chocolates go to www.devonportchocolates.co.nz or visit instore at 17 Wynyard St, Devonport.
Dallas Pendergrast – navigating retail with Glenfield Mall
Channel Magazine asks Glenfield Mall owner, Dallas Pendergrast questions on navigating the retail space during the pandemic, about her background in business and what the future holds following COVID-19.
Dallas Pendergrast is the Executive Director and shareholder of Ladstone Glenfield Limited, the owners and operators of Glenfield Mall. Dallas and her husband Ross have worked in the property business for most of their lives. During that time they've invested in several shopping centres and Dallas looks after the management of them. Glenfield Mall is thriving with the arrival of shops like Chemist Warehouse and a vast range of everything the community needs, but 2020 and COVID-19 has impacted the Mall in many ways. Channel Magazine asked Dallas questions on this, supporting her tenants through the challenges and what the future holds following the pandemic.
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence…
Dallas Pendergrast: I am an Executive Director and shareholder of Ladstone Glenfield Limited, the owner of Glenfield Mall.
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
DP: This is not the job I imagined I would be doing growing up. At that time I had thoughts of being a journalist due to my love of the English language.
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
DP: The COVID lockdowns have been a major challenge for us as shopping centre owners. Helping our tenants to get through this difficult time has been our main focus.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
DP: Working in a shopping mall provides variety and unexpected challenges. Stepping up to the management level these days usually requires a B Prop (Bachelor of Property) and plenty of hands on experience.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
DP: Our business is looking great moving on after the pandemic. We have worked extremely hard to keep our Mall fully occupied and we continue to provide an immaculately clean Mall where our customers can feel safe and at the same time enjoy a great variety of shops and services.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
DP: The support of the local community has always been amazing for us at Glenfield. During the past year our loyal shoppers have continued to support us between lockdowns and we are very happy that our foot traffic has remained at pre-COVID levels throughout the year.
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support business going forward following the pandemic?
DP: I strongly lobbied the Government during the lockdowns as I thought they should have provided some support for all retailers rather than leaving it up to the landlords whose overheads continued on regardless of whether we were permitted to open or not. It has been extremely difficult for many of them and I believe some may not have survived without our support.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
DP: Take some time to have a break at beautiful Waiheke where we have a holiday house.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
DP: Glenfield Mall is the only place I need to visit on the North Shore. We have such an amazing variety of retailers selling the best goods, providing great services and a huge variety of cafes to cap it all off.
Thank you Dallas. Visit Glenfield Mall at Corner Glenfield Road & Downing Street or online: www.glenfieldmall.co.nz
Jenny Joblin – 21 years of Federation
Channel Magazine talked to Jenny about two decades of her brand, life in the clothing industry and her passion for living and working on the Shore.
Jenny Joblin is a Shore-based mum of three teenagers, and the founder of iconic clothing brand Federation, which this year celebrates 21 years since the streetwear brand began. She also started kids clothing label, Minti, four years later. Jenny says she started sewing at about six years old, under the careful eye of her mum on the Bernina. She went on to complete a fashion degree at AUT and work in the industry for Karen Walker and Workshop. "It was a passion that has combined my love of creating art and clothes, that now I suddenly realise 21 years on has been my whole career” says Jenny. Federation had some early highs including being stocked by Selfridges in the UK on their third collection and being stocked in stores all throughout Europe and the US. The business has changed focus in the last few years, concentrating closer to home. Jenny reckons the flexibility of owning her own business has been great while raising her kids - things like being home for after school. She is very aware of the juggling game of motherhood and business, and she talks a lot about this in this interview. She says the challenges of business have taught her so much and she hopes to share lessons learnt along the journey in a real way to help and also inspire others. Channel Magazine talked to Jenny about 21 years in the clothing industry and her passion for living and working on the Shore.
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence…
Jenny Joblin: Creative Director and at the same time overseer of all things!
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
JJ: Growing up I always loved art and sewing, I’m not sure what age I then put the idea of being a fashion designer into play. I remember designing dresses and sewing from really young. I always wanted to do something well and be good at it as opposed to chasing money or success.
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
JJ: There are two different views on this! The current state and also from the early beginning of the pandemic and the uncertainty of it all at that time. We predominantly sell to wholesalers so there was a lot of working through with them. Then we have two of our own stores in Commercial Bay and of course our workroom with our store attached in Northcroft St in Takapuna. So they are badly affected in any lockdown, and Commercial Bay specifically by the lack of tourists and people working from home rather than in the CBD. When we look at it from this perspective we really weathered it ok as a business. We pivoted where we needed to and reacted as quickly as we could, and online, with track pants being one of our staples, were definitely in raised demand. Travel has affected us also, we visit our factories we use in China twice a year and source fabrics there too. We have learnt to do things differently but that face to face time and travel in general is missed.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
JJ: Think about what you can add to a market that is different, get a plan. Be ready for some hard work and make sure you are up for that too. Think about when you have had the best day, what it was that made it so great? I am all for people having a business and career around what they like to do. A component of not so much will always be unavoidable though. I love having my own business as a Mum, it gives me the flexibility to work from home and around the kids school hours and needs. Think about your parameters of the reality of your life and what you can do and what you hope your business to be in five years and work backwards from that, into some bite size pieces and just get started once you can see it looks feasible, don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help too.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
JJ: We have become more aware of the necessity of the diversity of our business. I love that Federation is made up of great wholesalers we stock, with some of our favourite Shore ones being Northbeach and Flo and Frankie. Then having the store in Takapuna, where we have just opened up an outlet out the back too. And online, that continues to grow from strength to strength too.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
JJ: I have loved seeing the shop local support. It is so good that people now take time to think about their spend and how that can really help local small businesses. Thank you.
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support businesses going forward following the pandemic?
JJ: I can imagine making these decisions would be so hard. The wage subsidy helped a lot. But also of course that was only a proportion of costs that we all had to meet in the lockdowns that didn’t reduce or go away at all when income came to a stand still for so many.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
JJ: Travel, travel, travel and appreciate travelling.
CM: What’s the best part about being a woman in business on the Shore?
JJ: I love the Shore, I have lived here since I was 11 and it's just ideal working and living in a 10 minute vicinity.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
JJ: I work with my husband, Ben and we love to eat on the Shore! Street Organics is our go to for daily coffee and the booths are great for interviews and meetings. We love Madam Woo, Tok Tok for walking to and from work. Soho in Goodside is great and so good the way the kids can branch off and get what they fancy and we can all eat together with our favourite diverse meals. We are in walking distance to Stanley Ave Wine Bar from home which is so nice and handy too.
Visit the Federation store at 16 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 or shop online www.federation.co.nz
Janet Marshall – From the military to property
Janet gives Channel Magazine an insight into being a female broker in the commercial property industry and shares some great knowledge around operating during uncertain times.
Janet Marshall is a Director at Colliers International located in Takapuna and received the prestigious Women in Property award from the Property Council in 2019. She is originally from the UK and has a family background in the military, Janet herself has worked for the UK Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, London, been a Personal Secretary to a number of Generals including General Michael Willcocks who went on to become the Usher of the Black Rod in Parliament and then working for the Special Air Force (SAS) in Hereford during the first Gulf War. Janet moved to New Zealand in 1995 and has been working at Colliers International since 2002, firstly as the Office Manager at Colliers North Shore and then becoming a broker in 2005. Aside from her own career, her father and husband were in the military and her son is currently in the Royal Marines based in Scotland. Janet lives on a lifestyle block with chickens, bees, sheep and three border collies! Janet gives Channel Magazine an insight into being a female broker in the commercial property industry and shares some great knowledge around operating during uncertain times.
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence….
Janet Marshall: Director Commercial Sales and Leasing at Colliers International, specialising in office and retail property, specifically on the North Shore.
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
JM: No. I was extremely shy when I was young and did not expect to be working in such a high profile position. I did think I would make a difference, but I never knew how. Being awarded the Women in Property Award from the Property Council was a real privilege for me and recognition of my role in the industry and community.
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
JM: We were unable to take tenants through premises and there was a lot of discussion about office tenants giving up their premises as their staff would prefer to work from home. However, there are very few businesses which have given up their leases permanently. During Covid, many landlords and tenants reviewed their lease agreements and tenants negotiated lease abatements with landlords. Many just wanted to do the right thing and asked for guidance as there had been no precedent. Having empathy is key, and it’s no different in business relationships. Internal communications are vital at the best and worst of times, so Colliers made sure staff were consulted and kept open channels of communication. We knew that we had to stay calm and be resilient.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
JM: There is definitely a lack of female brokers in the commercial property industry. In the real estate industry there are over 15,000 active sales people, of which less than 2,000 are in commercial and there are very few females. My advice for other women looking to get into the industry is to have a chat with other females in the industry (I am always happy to meet anyone interested in commercial property!). Believe in yourself, keep positive and if starting your own business surround yourself with an 'A' team which includes an accountant, lawyer, marketing person and mentor. That's where assembling a great team of partners plays such an important role in any profitable business.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
JM: I am very positive about the future. Faced with the unfamiliar, most businesses have had to pivot and our business is no different. Successful businesses will need to re-strategise almost immediately, which involves reforecasting finances and making sure new strategies are viable. Long-term growth plans had to be put to one side in favour of short term survival strategies. As it stands, COVID-19 is not going to disappear anytime soon, and businesses must evolve to overcome further challenges. In our industry we need to understand our clients' objective more than ever and provide as much information as we can for them to make informed decisions.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
JM: It has been really important. People have been inspired to take actions and businesses have adapted to reach out to the community virtually. Cafes, gyms and other members of the service and hospitality industry have been particularly hard hit by Covid. In response the public have bought gift cards to their favourite establishments, continued memberships despite a reduction of classes and supported local businesses so that they can keep trading. Businesses which built communities and a network before the pandemic are already proving to be more resilient throughout it. A business which can inspire people to give during a time of shortages and uncertainty, is certainly a business that will have a long and successful future.
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support businesses going forward following the pandemic?
JM: Eat Out to Help Out Scheme was tried overseas and was very successful. Basically, a cafe/restaurant participates in the scheme by registering with the Government. The consumer participates by eating at their establishment, and the consumer only pays 50% of the total bill - a maximum cap applies (alcohol and takeaways excluded). The proprietor claims the other 50% from the Government.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
JM: Visit my son in the UK. He is currently in the Royal Marines in Scotland and we were expecting to visit last year. I have not seen him since January 2020.
CM: What’s the best part about being a woman in business on the Shore?
JM: The inclusivity, collaboration and receiving so much encouragement to do well. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely wants to help.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
JM: There are many! I love supporting our wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants as I have so many meetings in them. In Takapuna places such as Joe’s Eatery, the Elephant Wrestler and Aubergine Restaurant are so welcoming and their friendly customer service is outstanding.
Inspiring Janet! Contact Janet Marshall on mobile 021 684 775 or email: Janet.Marshall@colliers.com or visit: www.colliers.com
Brynyce Owen – making moving real easy
Brynyce talks to Channel about running her business during the pandemic, her local favourites on the shore and why she loves what she does.
Brynyce Owen is the owner of Moving Made Easy, a local family owned and operated business specialising in pre-sale home preparation, reorganising and downsizing, packing and unpacking, and relocating both nationally and internationally. They work predominantly with older people and those who are pressured for time. Brynyce says she’s done a lot of community work with the elderly over the decades. She has run two successful small businesses as well as teaching, lecturing and doing research. Brynyce says the greatest joy in life came from being a mum and she talks to Channel this month about running her business during the pandemic, her local favourites on the shore and why she loves what she does.
Channel Magazine: Explain your business and role in one sentence…
Brynyce Owen: We offer a bespoke and individually tailored service to meet our clients specific needs. Anything from home sale preparation to reorganising a space to downsizing, to their full relocation. We are an ECO business which we take very seriously. Whatever our clients need, is what we do. My role is to make it all happen in a caring, kind, ethical way.
CM: Is your job what you imagined you’d be doing growing up? What were your expectations?
BO: Yes, I was brought up to serve the community and this is what I have always done and is a core part of the business ethos. Professionally, I have been an educationalist and researcher which was an interest from a young age. In my voluntary work and in our family business, I have been able to continue helping the community. It is a privilege to be part of supporting the fantastic work of local charities and the Lake House Arts Centre.
CM: How has COVID-19 impacted your business over the last 12 months?
BO: We have been able to continue working with clients across the Alert Levels, except for at Level 4 as stated in the Government guidelines. In response to Covid-19, we had to adjust our business practices to ensure the safety of our clients and the team. This included providing safeguards above and beyond the minimum Government requirements, and these have become an integral part of our work. As with all businesses, there have been ups and downs as everyone became used to the “new normal” and we came together as a team of five million.
CM: What advice do you have for other women looking to get into your industry or start their own business?
BO: Register your business name before others copy your practise! Research is a must, as well as being honest with yourself as to whether you have the knowledge and expertise to carry it out.
CM: What does the future look like for you and your business following the pandemic?
BO: We will continue giving a unique, individualised, ethical, caring service.
CM: How important has the support of the local community been throughout the last year?
BO: The Shore has pulled together – Go Local!!
CM: Are there any additional government/local community initiatives needed in your view to support businesses going forward following the pandemic?
BO: Supporting both local and New Zealand businesses is going to be even more vital as we look to recover from the pandemic. We are fortunate that every person has the opportunity to contribute to this, and I have confidence in our local leaders to thrash out whatever is best for us.
CM: When COVID-19 is well and truly behind us I am going to…
BO: Take a holiday.
CM: What’s the best part about being a woman in business on the Shore?
BO: Personally I don’t view people as female or male, we are all humans. However, we do have incredibly strong women on the Shore and our businesses benefit greatly from that.
CM: Is there another local Shore business that you love and enjoy supporting? If so, what is it and why?
BO: There are two: Takapuna Beach Café and The Swiss Café, Milford. Like ourselves, they are both family businesses providing great products with great staff.
Thanks Brynyce. To find out more about Moving Made Easy, email info@movingmadeeasy.co.nz or visit www.movingmadeeasy.co.nz
