Fruitbowl - Fresh Ideas from Hawke's Bay

Ground-breaking initiatives to create jobs and grow Hawke’s Bay’s economy will be announced at the formal launch of Business Hawke’s Bay at the Opera House on February 29^th.

Hawkes Bay’s new economic development hub will be launched next week, with more than 400 business people already registered for the event.

Business Hawke’s Bay is an autonomous arms- length business unit of the Chamber of Commerce and sets a unique precedent in New Zealand, being funded primarily by the private business sector with support from local government.

The collaborative activity aimed at fostering business development and business growth is also focused on the marketing of Hawke’s Bay as an attractive place to start, grow and relocate businesses.

A soft launch of Business Hawke’s Bay was held in August 2011 and since then work has begun on a number of market- driven initiatives to create real jobs and “grow the Bay”.

CEO of Business Hawke’s Bay Murray Douglas says a plan is in place to repaint the subdued picture relating to unemployment and projected economic growth in the region.

“We must see a lower unemployment rate here in Hawke’s Bay and to do that, we need to grow a business rich environment, which in turn will create real jobs, based around innovation and success.”

The “Build in Hawke’s Bay” campaign was launched in December with billboards aimed at encouraging holidaymakers to consider relocating and building in Hawke’s Bay.

The campaign has attracted inquiries and has been followed up with advertising in property magazines outside of Hawke’s Bay. Support for the pilot scheme has been secured from local building companies and associated industries including a number of lending suppliers.

Exciting projects to encourage businesses to relocate to existing and planned business parks are underway and an action plan to grow exports includes a China trade co-ordinator based in Hastings.

A website will be launched on February 29^th together with an extensive Business Directory aimed at giving swift access to more than 3000 local businesses.

An innovative web portal will give businesses a one stop shop approach for advice on funding, training, career pathways, business support, innovation and mentoring.