Support a local business and everybody wins

Although there has been a dip in business confidence in North Canterbury according to a recent business survey, on a nationwide scale there is still a significant level of optimism in Hurunui and Waimakariri Districts.

The latest North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey was released by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) earlier this month, attributing growing inflation, increasing costs and difficulty finding staff to this downward trend.

Local confidence is sitting at net -12% optimism, a notable decrease on the last North Canterbury survey in April this year which showed +4% optimism. Compared to the national average though of -42% optimism, this region has still retained some positivity.

Hurunui District’s Mayor Marie Black said for those who are looking for extra help with their business, they are well advised to contact ENC.

Developed in 2002, in partnership with the region’s District Councils Hurunui and Waimakariri, ENC provides economic and business support across both districts, with more than 3000 businesses on its database.

ENC’s goal is to develop a prosperous region with the aim of inspiring, attracting, and retaining individuals, businesses and social enterprises to continually invest in this district and the wider North Canterbury region.

Mayor Black is one of ENC’s trustees, and said the ongoing support ENC provides through training, support, collaboration, and workshops creates a huge asset, for 8000 businesses covering a variety of sectors including education, retail, hospitality, primary producers and their allied networks.

“Remember, people don’t set up a business because they are necessarily good at things like accounting or marketing, they set up a business because they are good at producing something. This is where ENC’s role is so significant.”

Mayor Black admitted situations have at times been far from favourable especially over the past decade, however the resilience of individuals and communities has always shone through.

“I am continually inspired by local vision and the desire of local business owners to create a Hurunui that harks vibrancy and opportunity,” she said.

For information about all businesses within Hurunui and Waimakariri including how ENC can help, a list of schools, key statistics about the job sector, and tips of how to start up your own business, visit https://enterprisenorthcanterbury.co.nz/