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The economy
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The economy
Business and industry eventsUpcoming events | Recent events Business and industry events contribute to the economic vitality of the city. They are a key platform that position Auckland both nationally and internationally as a desirable place to do business. Such events encourage business opportunities and growth, develop industry sectors, share innovation and showcase Auckland's industries. We look to support business and industry events that:
Upcoming eventsSemi-Permanent fixture on creative calendars
Expanding its remit to include multimedia disciplines, public design event Semi-Permanent this year promises to be bigger, better, and badder. We are proud to sponsor the inspirational two-day design event, to be held at The Edge, Aotea Centre, on 15-16 August 2008. Semi-Permanent brings together both exciting speakers from the forefront of design, as well as side events including exhibitions, competitions, and workshops, in an all-round celebration of creative work. Key speakers this year include:
Events include 'Curvy', an exhibition and book featuring 100 of the world's most exciting female graphic artists and illustrators. We recognise the importance of the design sector to Auckland's economy, as the largest employer in the city's creative industries. Sponsoring this unique opportunity to be inspired by key achievers in the creative sector helps us achieve the goals under Blueprint, our creative industries action plan. For more information and to sign up to the Semi-Permanent mailing list, head to www.semipermanent.com/auckland. The ICEHOUSE business seminarsWe joined forces with ICEHOUSE (The International Centre for Entrepreneurship) to fund a seminar series 'Kickstart', designed to specifically assist entrepreneurs with their business ventures. The ICEHOUSE is a non-profit business growth centre with experience in assisting entrepreneurs and young companies through its tailored programmes. It is specifically designed to help both owners and managers transform their businesses. The centre is a collaborative partnership between the University of Auckland Business School, the Boston Consulting Group, Telecom New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand, Ernst & Young, HP and Microsoft. The seminars provide a great opportunity for attendees to meet with other likeminded entrepreneurs, build business relationships and support networks. The next Kickstart seminars are planned for the following dates in 2008:
They will cover:
For more information please contact m.al-johary@theicehouse.co.nz or to register visit The ICEHOUSE website. Recent events
Small Business Expo 2008
We were proud to support the Small Business Expo 2008, a one-stop-shop for business owners. The expo was held over three days, 16-18 April 2008, at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane. Visitors were able to get all the information they need to be better business owners, make better business decisions and improve their productivity. There were over 200 exhibitors who provided quality products and services, free seminars, specialist advice and mentoring, all with small to medium-sized businesses in mind. Our Economic Development Strategy aims to create a more productive economy, delivering high value solutions to global markets by being innovative and creative. We recognise the vitally important role small businesses play in achieving this goal, and were delighted to offer you the chance to attend this event free of charge. For more information about the Small Business Expo, visit www.businessexpo.co.nz.
ICE Angels investment eveningThe ICE Angels are a premier group of investors who foster growth in early stage or start up companies. We hosted an investment evening on 15 April 2008 at the Auckland Town Hall. Five companies pitched their business idea to the angel investors with the aim of securing investment. The angel investors will mentor the successful entrepreneur providing industry experience, global networks and corporate governance. The process is designed to help these companies to accelerate their growth. For more details about visit the ICE Angels website. NZBio 2008 conference'Enterprising Technologies -
Global Benefits' We were delighted to sponsor the NZBio 2008 conference. This years' theme highlighted the broadening impact of biotechnology across many industries, including agriculture and its growing importance to our future. In New Zealand, biotechnology is used to add value to primary products such as meat, dairy, horticulture and forestry, to address environmental issues and to improve human health. Our support of this event, and of NZBio/Auckland, is testament to our ongoing commitment to support the biotechnology sector. For more information about the sector or the conference contact visit www.nzbio.org.nz/conference2008. Research and Development Tax Credit SeminarWednesday 11 June 2008 As of 1 April 2008, a 15 per cent research and development tax credit is available for businesses operating in New Zealand. It applies to not just lab research, but to the development of new or improved products, services, materials or processes in most industries. In partnership with O'Halloran HMT Ltd, we were pleased to host a lunchtime seminar on the new Research and Development Tax Credit. Kiran Bhikha, Principal, O'Halloran HMT went through the relevant legislation, planning and reporting required to claim for R&D tax credits. The seminar covered the following topics:
The seminar was sponsored by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, (MoRST) and Auckland Plus. If you would like a copy of the Auckland Plus handbook on the R&D credit, Making Innovation Pay click here. Updated July 2008
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