Expo supporting local businesses

Regular attendee: NZ fashion designer Liz Mitchell.

From City Scene, published on 10 May, 2009.

Supporting local businesses is important, especially in these tough economic times. As part of this, Auckland City Council is, for the second year running, sponsoring the Bizzone Business Expo on 27-29 May.

Formerly known as the Small Business Expo, this three-day event aims to assist business owners in adapting to, and remaining confident in, the changing markets.

More than 7500 are expected to attend the Auckland expo, each of whom will get a chance to meet with 230 business support exhibitors and attend dozens of free seminars.

One such attendee, who is a regular at the event, is renowned Auckland fashion designer and businesswoman, Liz Mitchell.

Liz says she has learnt a lot from the events, which have helped her business progress to where it is today. "My business was evolving and I was looking to see how I could do things differently.

"I started with a mind map and a business plan. Where I didn't have the skills, I worked out a pathway to get them on board. As a result, my business changed direction. I had just started providing fashions for [the department store] Farmers at that point, and I realised it was my opportunity to give more New Zealand women access to my designs."

Liz is still forging ahead, recently opening a boutique in Ponsonby, and launching a new lingerie line through selected retailers.

Free tickets are available to the event - you can get one by registering online or from all Auckland City Libraries and community centres.