Retirement village operator Metlifecare's latest big operation has opened on Auckland's North Shore.

School pals turn a summer college moving job into a $50 million firm with 100 franchises.

The services sector slowed in June, although it remains in positive territory with retailing one of the strongest industries.

Firms need to figure out how to turn their customers' pain-points into enjoyable experiences.

Executive chairman of KPMG New Zealand is one of nine judges on the main panel for this year's NZIBA awards.

Today on the program - Why the struggling Warriors have axed six of their top players for failing to meet team standards and the latest on John Key's lawyer that cited a conversation with the PM when lobbying a Minister about a potential crackdown on a foreign trust industry. Also did the police find prescription drugs by Prince's body.

Growth in NZ's services sector, which accounts for about two-thirds of the economy, eased last month, echoing a slowdown in the pace of manufacturing.

New Zealand's services sector activity rose to a six-month high in January as record inward migration boosted demand for housing, increasing the need for property-related services.

Firms looking for skilled candidates who can add value to their systems

Deliver a personal, high quality shopping experience - on and/or offline - and you will not only gain repeat custom, but you'll enjoy positive personal endorsements that will attract a larger customer base.

I am concerned that loyalty schemes, such as the Farmlands card, result in consumers who are not members being disadvantaged.

Banks are dropping mortgage rates and offering cash sweeteners, loaded credit cards, payment of legal fees and tablet computers as they go to war for customers.

What are online customers expecting companies to handle with online payment?

New Zealand's services sector picked up pace in the last month, led by new orders.

Online shopping will reach a saturation point of around a fifth of the entire market, say retail researchers.

Going to court is slow, costly and stressful, so many companies are embracing another way of settling disputes - hiring an umpire and thrashing out their differences face to face. Chris Barton reports.

Businesses can save themselves a lot of time, money and heartache if they solve disputes this way, argues Deborah Hart.