Hub a positive start for 2015

The Hawke's Bay Business Hub is delivering on a need identified by a survey run by The Icehouse, says Business Hawke's Bay board member and Future Products Group chief executive Robert Darroch.

Success in establishing the Hawke's Bay's Business Hub is proof the region's economic growth agencies are cohesive, says Business Hawke's Bay (BHB) CEO Susan White.

"Some say we can't work together but we have demonstrated we can," she said.

From March eight organisations will be based in a one-stop-shop for business growth in Ahuriri's Ossian St.

The organisations will remain independent but a shared work environment is expected to improve customer experience.

The former Big Save retail outlet premises will house Export NZ/Business Central, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE), the Callaghan Innovation, NZTE-funded Regional Business Partners, Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce and The Icehouse. Napier City Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council will have workstations and, for confidential talks, meeting rooms will be available.

There was "a huge amount of support" outside hub members, Mrs White said.

Temporary accommodation for Hub agencies "has been fantastic as a stopover".

"We still have a little way to go - we still have to get fitted out - but it is all coming together."

Agencies worked together to establish the Hub, touring several potential sites together as part of a "robust approach".

"Along the way we were mindful we had to find something that would fit inside our financial constraints - something that would keep it going for the next few years."

Ahuriri Business Park landlords Ray and Tom McKimm were "fantastic" and understanding of the nature of the project.

"It is a nice way to start the new year, coming out with an announcement of something positive for the region," she said.

Small Business Minister and Tukituki MP Craig Foss said the Hub was a welcome focus for economic development, with businesses having "just one door to knock on".

"One challenge has been beaten - getting them all under one roof - and we have a whole lot of good groups and good people to drive us forward, which is great," he said.

"There is nothing like talking across the office. You can write briefs and reports or you can just have a discussion.

"Coming together under one roof is just half of it though - it is being on the same page, having the same priorities and goals that gets you there."

The one-stop-shop model was being looked at by the government for other regions where disparate economic agencies were identified.

Napier MP Stuart Nash described the Hub as a "fantastic" initiative. "I have always said it is vital that those charged with economic development and job creation are sharing the same stories, opportunities and challenges around the same water cooler," he said.

"I congratulate Susan White and BHB for actually pulling it off - I understand they did a lot of the co-ordination work."

Mrs White said a main driver of the project was Future Products Group chief executive and BHB board member Robert Darroch.

He said a survey of businesses "was a unique starting point" for the project.

It became clear a collaborative approach for business agencies was needed.

"You don't want to be mucked around and pointed in 100 different directions and travel all around Hawke's Bay trying to get help," he said.

The first priority for Hub staff when helping business people would be "understanding what the issues and needs are, so we can put them in the right direction".

"The fact that we have all the agencies in one location means that if there is an overlap between agencies you can easily grab someone and have a quick chat over coffee at the cafe."