COVID-19 Business Advisory Support

Capability and Growth Manager Fiona Hill, who looks after the Regional Business Partner (RBP) network programme for the West Coast, says Development West Coast (DWC) has been supporting West Coast enterprises at unprecedented levels since New Zealand entered COVID-19 lockdown.

“Through the COVID-19 business advisory fund, DWC can connect firms to expert advice at no cost to the business. Advice covers topics like business strategy, finance and cash flow, continuity planning, HR and employment relations, marketing and digital enablement strategies, and health and wellness for owners and staff. There is also additional support available for tourism businesses through the Tourism Transition Fund.”

To date, over 100 West Coast businesses have accessed COVID-19 advisory support through the RBP network, including Porky’s Takeaways.

Sonya Matthews and Andrew Lyes took over Hokitika’s iconic Porky’s Takeaways business in September 2019.

“After a manic six and a half months working in the business, a near vertical learning curve, the borders closed and the country went into lockdown due to COVID-19,” Sonya says.

“It was almost heart attack material. Having caught up on sleep, talked with our team and taken stock we hit the phone and with one of the first calls struck gold! We rang Fiona at DWC and asked her about business coaching options.”

Through the RBP network, Sonya accessed one-on-one business coaching sessions with James O’Connell from the Hospitality Company.