Anand and Sarita Kumble are co-founders of Pictor, a diagnostics company with a mission to market reliable and affordable blood tests to regions of the world with the highest need.

When I decided to look at the importance of NZ businesses doing their research and development, the first company to occur to me was Simcro – which I knew was very focused on innovation.

Will new low deposit loan rules make it tougher for people to buy, grow and fund small business?

For some New Zealand businesses, investing in research and development is not optional. It is the only way to survive in a constantly changing market.

R&D is one of the main ways businesses have of gaining and keeping an edge over the competition.

Will a move to require bach owners to get resource consent before renting out properties push holiday makers elsewhere?

The Auckland restaurant industry, it seems is on fire with a plethora of choice available to diners, with new eateries around Wynyard Quarter, Britomart, SkyCity and in the suburbs too.

Two Kiwi entrepreneurs have received top billing on US crowdfunding site Kickstarter for their start-up travel gear company.

Restaurateurs need to keep dishing up what their customers want, says Mike Egan.

When Paris-born Matt Gosset went out on his own after working for Auckland restaurateur Dennis Wiley, he shied away from a French theme.

Scott Gardiner, MYOB NZ sales manager – business division, Scott Gardiner on baby boomers and their abilities in running businesses.

In 2001, Rhondda Sweetman and Justine Kingi, two sisters, developed early online retailer, KiwiArtz.co.nz when they were in their 50s. They sold the business ten years later, in 2011.

Catering to discerning kids has grown into a business worth $4m-$5m a year.

Ian Barron, consultant, Barlex Business Support Co.

Geoff Treanor, a former school principal, now runs Teach Overseas, a company which facilitates taking young NZ graduates overseas to teach.

New Zealand has ranked fourth among the most attractive countries in the world for supporting and enabling dynamic business growth.