High-tech money drive gets its own web boost

By RICHARD PAMATATAU

The optimistic Government plan to get the economy rocking with 100 high-tech companies earning $100 million each by 2012 gets a digital boost this week through a web-site designed to provide information, excite investors and drive the project.

Catherine Calarco, executive director of the HiGrowth Project, said the site would be a knowledge centre and exchange for companies looking to sign up or who are part of the project.

She said there was huge potential for New Zealand's high-tech sector, which includes everything from computer software and manufacturing to bio-tech and consulting, to join the project.

Calarco said about 45 companies had signed up, and more were looking at the benefits of belonging.

The site would have a number of areas from a registration zone to a private area where members could discuss issues.

It would also have a sales site to put potential customers or investors in touch with New Zealand companies.

David Ledger has signed up his business, CRMS Consulting, to the project. The company offers consulting to the international pharmaceuticals business and most of its customers are overseas.

Ledger said his company had revenue approaching $4 million from a team of 16, and it was projected to reach $100 million by 2012.

The site was part of the process, he said, and companies had to get on board and create momentum.

Ledger said it was not solely up to the Government to drive things, and businesses had to work in partnership and help each other on the way.

New Zealand was too small for companies to make money by staying inside its borders, he said, and this project could help form a united front to seek international markets.

He said mixing with other business facing similar problems was a good way for many companies to start their attack.

The HiGrowth Project