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Mainstreets - building business relationships

From City Scene, published on 4 November, 2007

Where to? - If you've wondered where to go if you want to shop, invest or move your business to Auckland, then why not visit the websites of our city's Mainstreet business associations.

If you've wondered where to go if you want to shop, invest or move your business to Auckland, then why not visit the websites of our city's Mainstreet business associations.

Networking

Mark Jurgeliet (top image) of Meta*Mortgages has been in business in Parnell for four years. "Speed dating for businesses is a more structured approach to networking and has been the Parnell Mainstreet's biggest success in my opinion," he says. The business association has fostered a great community spirit amongst local businesses. "The relationships I have around Parnell would not be possible without the association's support."

Developing business partnerships

Derek Corporation president and chairperson Derek Batts has been running the privately owned family business since 1961. Mr Batts says a successful business must develop partnerships with others to bring about the best solutions for all. "The Rosebank Business Association has helped in forming business partnerships and networking opportunities," Mr Batts says, "such as workshops with expert guests and business-to-business social events." He says the partnerships have had tangible results. "One example is the association's partnership with Icon Security to provide patrols and alarm monitoring. This has seen crime in the area reduce by 80 per cent since 2003." Pictured above, from left: Derek Batts; Councillor Noelene Raffills; managing director of Icon Security, Gary Morrison; and general manager of Rosebank Business Association, Mike Gibson.