Coaching for local business

Businesses looking for assistance are encouraged to approach DWC as their first point of contact.

DWC Business Development Manager Fiona Hill looks after the Regional Business Partner Programme (RBP) for the West Coast Region.

She says the programme, administered by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and Callaghan Innovation, opens businesses up to business development and innovation support, funding services and business mentoring services in association with Business Mentors New Zealand.

“Linking West Coast businesses with this support is one of the many services DWC offers, aiming to provide local industry with as many opportunities for growth and innovation as possible.”

Jeff Evans Ltd is one of the many local businesses that has benefited from NZTE Capability Development vouchers through the RBP Network.

The Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport-based family business has over 30 years’ experience providing plumbing, drain-laying, gas fitting, light engineering and rural services.

Moreen and Jeff Evans received capability development vouchers to engage a business coach, Dr Dominic Moran of Advantage Business, to review staff performance, determine ways of empowering staff to improve productivity and ensure the future sustainability of the business. A company restructure has been completed (with no loss of jobs, but a reallocation of people to more suited roles) and additional staff have since been employed.

“We are grateful and appreciative of the support and opportunities provided by DWC, Advantage Business and the RBP Network. DWC’s business development manager Fiona Hill has been great, providing access to the available resources to assist in driving the change we were struggling to achieve on our own,” Moreen says.