Business Canterbury Celebrates A Strong Year For Canterbury At Its AGM
by Business Canterbury · SCOOPBusiness Canterbury has celebrated a strong year for Canterbury, its members and the business community at its Annual General Meeting today, which was hosted at capacity with a crowd of more than 100 members in the room, and others joining online.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “This is the year we shifted gears, for Canterbury, for our members, our business community and for Business Canterbury itself.”
“Canterbury is in a strong position right now. Despite global uncertainty, cost pressures, and a general election, businesses haven’t put their plans on hold. They are continuing to invest, hire and back themselves.
“Our focus has been making sure the settings around them keep pace. Rather than responding after decisions are made, we are taking our members’ experiences directly to ministers and officials and shaping the outcomes.”
That work includes the Canterbury Ambition, a private sector-led vision for the region, with a clear set of priority asks to take to the government after the election. Business Canterbury also joined the seven other South Island Chambers of Commerce to launch a shared policy platform, Growing New Zealand from the South, and host the inaugural South Island Election Conference in August.
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“We are giving government real clarity on what Canterbury and the South Island need to keep growing and provide the right environment for our members to grow, innovate and be more productive.”
Watson says Business Canterbury’s own financial position has also turned a corner, with revenue up more than $200,000 and a return to an operating surplus following a significant investment in its transformation over the last few years.
“A strong Business Canterbury means we can do more for our members and continue to deliver support that has real impact.”
The AGM also welcomed two new directors to the Business Canterbury Board, Damian Lynch and Paul Coughlan.
Damian Lynch is General Manager Merchandise at Foodstuffs South Island. He has held executive roles across retail, agribusiness, international business, economic development and technology commercialisation, and governance roles across education, industry and research.
Paul Coughlan is Chief Financial Officer and an Executive Director of Christchurch-headquartered manufacturer Bremca Group. He brings experience in financial leadership and strategic planning across manufacturing and energy, and has served as Event Director and Trustee of the International Track Meet since 2009.
Business Canterbury Board Chair, Paul Deavoll says, “Damian and Paul bring strong commercial, financial and governance experience to the Board, and a real understanding of what Canterbury businesses need to grow. We’re delighted to welcome them as Business Canterbury continues its next stage of growth."
“After more than 165 years of backing business, Business Canterbury is well positioned for long-term success over the next 165.”
Watson adds, “When business succeeds, Canterbury succeeds. And when Canterbury succeeds, New Zealand is stronger for it.”
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