"Accountability makes the difference between an individual or
a team achieving what they set out to do, or failing."

As vision holder and project manager for the Challenge, Jacqui's background in
innovation, implementation and project completion, along with qualifications and
experience in development, technology and marketing will be put to good use with
owners and the boost teams throughout the Challenge 2010.

Availability: Masterclass and all Challenge regions

"Our mission is to save clients from failure and sleepless nights, to provide real value, true teamwork with innovative, practical solutions, and to exceed expectations in everything we do. Above all, we are here to inspire clients and help their businesses grow stronger."

RSM Prince joined the Challenge in 2009 after hearing many good comments from associates in Hawke’s Bay. They also see this as a good compliment to the work they are doing with the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards.

Availability: Masterclass, North Shore/Auckland region

"Our team of accountants is committed to "Plain talk, smart thinking". It's not just on the logo as a slogan, it's the basis for every interaction with our clients."

Producing information that will best help each client to manage and strategise effectively is a skill that Walsh and Associates are adept at. "With real world experience in management and corporates we’re able to help people from a user point of view. We get involved, working alongside clients as they take steps to achieve their budget and grow their businesses."

On the team for a 2nd year, Vaughan describes the Challenge as "an excellent idea" and one that worked well for two of his clients in 2009: iFarm, winners of a 12-week boost and Metalform, a finalist who with Vaughan's encouragement maximised their Challenge prep, entered the Hawke's Bay Business Awards and won 3 categories, including Business of the Year.

Availability: Hawke's Bay and Central Hawke's Bay region

"When things go wrong and businesses lose customers, employees often get the blame, but research shows that 94% of failures in business outcomes are systems failures.”

Get the systems right, train your staff in how to use them and your errors and failures will decrease dramatically. This is how the team at Esemel transforms businesses.

“When procedures and policies are clear, staff are more enthusiastic and confident because they know what’s expected, and owners find it much easier to delegate so they can concentrate on leading and managing the business rather than micro-managing."

Back on the team for a 2nd year, Esemel founder Linda Smith sees the Challenge as a real opportunity to give back. “Often business owners feel like they are doing it all on their own, and frequently they are. But E2theMax gives us an opportunity to share some of our knowledge and expertise, supporting and encouraging owners and their staff through the Challenge.”

Availability: Masterclass, North Shore/Auckland region



"Understanding what makes a business more (or less) valuable
is vital to ensuring growth, investment and eventually sale options
are maximised."

As a Challenge selector in 2009, participants and team members alike valued
Elaine's ability to cut straight to the chase of improved business value. Having
spent many years leading businesses, turning them around and managing sales
and acquisitions for other people, Elaine now owns Business Broking North Shore.
"Our 15 brokers offer a diversity of experience and work collaboratively with
owners to ensure their exit plan comes together in a way that rewards them for
all the effort they have put in over the years." 

Availability: Masterclass and all regions

"The businessses that will come through changes in the economy 
best are the ones that have the best business structures in place.
The ones who are responding thoughtfully to the changed environment
as opposed to merely reacting."

Today’s reality means Carlile Dowling is often working with businesses that are closer to the edge than they were two or three years ago. But the firm has been around for 125 years, and Michael was personally admitted to the bar in 1987. In other words, this is not the first time they’ve seen the business world struggle. "The first thing people have to do is survive. Step 2 is to see what opportunities there are. The thing about change is that it unlocks opportunities."

One of those opportunities for Carlile Dowling is to be involved with the E2theMax Business Challenge for the second year. "I’m looking forward to again being part of a team that collectively has the goal of making real change. Everybody is expected to demonstrably add value; that's both satisfying and constructive."

Availability: Hawke's Bay region



"Dealing with everyday accounting tasks as bookkeeping, payroll and creditor management is just as time sapping as it is crucial. Go Fi8ure is poised to leap into action with these tasks, giving businesses back time to do what they do best."

Lisa Martin, founder of Go Fi8ure was the first to join the expertise team when we set our Challenge sights on the Wellington region in 2009. Lisa's enthusiasm for the work that she and her team do to free up the time of their clients is tangible, so is the feedback on their success.

"We’re dedicated to delivering a service that leaves businesses well armed for the future. The Challenge clicked with us from Moment One. It's like us: Hands on; straight to the point and forward-looking. Come on Wellington! We want to see this region's businesses well-represented, boosted and promoted in the Challenge 2010."

Availability: Wellington region

"Insurance isn't about ticking boxes. For us it's always personal.
We're independent and take the time to really get to know our clients
so we can best understand and meet their needs. That’s our real point
of difference."

This is the 2nd Challenge year for Kim and the Rothbury's Hawke's Bay Team. 

"We think it’s brilliant. It encourages so many good things. It’s encouraging more
successful businesses and builds camaraderie around the business community
as well. The fact we’re all heading in the same direction is great."

Availability: Hawke's Bay region



"Protecting inventions, brands and technologies is one part of the
intellectual property equation. Our role is also to assist owners to
make money from these."

Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn a lot from James & Wells even
before they turn up for a consultation. The company publishes a great deal of
material on its website and has produced a booklet ‘A guide to the protection of
innovation and goodwill’ that you can download for free (click the logo above to go
to the James & Wells site). This is the firm's 3rd year supporting the Challenge.

"The Challenge reflects our goal of directly contributing to the country’s
prosperity. I like the idea of smart minds working together on different but related
aspects of a common project and enjoy interacting with the many different
businesses, understanding and assisting with their goals and plans."

Availability: Masterclass and all regions



“Every business decision is a turning point involving change. Sometimes decisions are obvious, mostly they are not. Our role is to work with owners when they reach a turning point and need help with the decision and the change.”

Colleagues for many years first in NZTE then in their own consultancies, Julian Kroll and Miguel Hamber bring a wealth of operations and management experience into their clients’ businesses, assisting them with decision-making and change.

“The realization that things have to change, followed by the assessment of what, when and how is the typical domain of consultants. With experience, interest and a team approach, we take things many steps further, rolling up our sleeves to make things happen. That’s why the Challenge appeals to us. It’s an opportunity to turn even a big ship more quickly and steadily, with an unprecedented level of support for the owner and their business.”

Availability: Masterclass, North Shore/Auckland region




"Research suggests design is integral to the economic, social and environmental benefits of business. Good design delivers a balance between style and function – looking good is just part of the picture."

When managing director Karen MacKenzie formed Office Design Group in 2000,
she wanted to make intelligent design accessible to all New Zealand businesses.
With 20 years of experience she set about making the process as easy as possible by providing a one-stop-shop for everything from the initial design concepts to computer cabling and furniture.

"Whether you’re renovating, relocating, expanding or down-sizing, Office Design Group promises it will deliver on time and within budget. And it will be fun!

Back on the team for the 2nd year, Karen says the Challenge appeals to ODG
because it connects with established businesses that have differing needs. 
"Our work has a profound effect on established businesses that have been
making do with what they inherited at start-up or have acquired ad-hoc along the
way. As businesses grow and become more successful, they need to upgrade
for effectiveness and to project a more professional image to clients."
 



"For many the 'What happens when... ?' part of their plan is blank
or out of date. By the time questions are asked, it can be too late."

When it comes to risk, Brave Day has a role that is detailed and very practical.
They research, identify and advise with a view to building resilience into every
client's business. This is the 2nd year for Brave Day in the Challenge.

"In 2009 it was a real inspiration to see how much could be achieved by the team when working together towards a common goal. We're looking forward to again giving the participating businesses a real and tangible boost that will help them to take their business to the next level with the greatest certainty." 

Availability: Masterclass, North Shore and Auckland region



“Selling is not first about closing sales, but about opening
relationships that are mutually beneficial over the long haul.”

Leanne's experience leading and working with high-performing sales teams
created exceptional benefit for the Hawke's Bay Challenge winners in 2009.
In 2010 Leanne is leading the Bay Challenge and available to other participants
particularly through the Masterclass. 

"Key for all businesses is to understand the dynamics of selling - there is no standard system - customers are savvy and we need to step up to engage with them. Working with the Challenge 09 winners has been hugely rewarding. They both now have successful sales systems that reflect individuality and have lead to outstanding results and even greater motivation."

Availability: Masterclass and all regions

"To effectively apply IT we focus on communicating well and
understanding the people within the business and the ambition of
its owners."

Back on the team following a successful experience in the Challenge 2009,
Steven is keen to share the secret to getting the best out of an IT supplier with
Challenge 2010 applicants. "First up it's about knowing what you want to achieve.
Every business is subtly different, even businesses of a similar size in the same
sector. Our own challenge in IT is to understand those differences and help
businesses make the changes they want given the variety of factors that are
particular to them. This is where the Challenge is so effective - it's an expertise-
filled environment and a unique opportunity to get that clarity."

Availability: Masterclass and North Shore/Auckland region
 

Thanks to our
National Supporters



 

Experts quick reference

1. Brave Day
2. Business Broking
   North Shore
3. Carlile Dowling
   Lawyers
4. Computer & Network Solutions
5. E2theMax
6. Esemel Business
   Documentation
7. Go Fi8ure
8. James & Wells
   Intellectual Property
9. Office Design Group
10. Profitable Teams
11. RSM Prince
12. Salesforce
    Enhancement
13. Spiral Web Solutions*
14. Turning Point
    Partners
15. Walsh & Associates

* Intro being produced

Regional Supporters
Enterprise North Shore
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
North Harbour Business Association
North Shore City Council

Thanks also to
www.hotelbookings.co.nz