Icehouse pleased with success of programmes in Hawke's Bay

The Icehouse business development hub in Napier. Photo / Duncan Brown

A pair of Hawke's Bay-based training programmes could be copied nationwide because they have been so successful at boosting business leadership skills in the region.

A total of 58 businesses have now completed the Icehouse's Effective Leadership Programme, and the Icehouse operations manager Kate de Lautour said the programme, along with the Owner Operator Programme, are unique to the Bay.

"The Effective Leadership Programme and Owner Operator Programme are only offered in Hawke's Bay, but such is the success of the Hawke's Bay model it is likely to be duplicated in other regions in the future."

The Effective Leadership Programme provides a collaborative learning environment for leaders within small- and medium-sized businesses to build their influence and have a positive impact on the performance of the business.

It then helps to design and implement aplan that will focus on business strategy.

The Owner Operator Programme aimed to develop new opportunities for businesses. The current Pan Pac Hawke's Bay Business of the Year (Laser Plumbing and Electrical) also participated in the programme, which is open to owner-operated businesss with 15 employees and a turnover of more than $3 million or with the goal of achieving that in the foreseeable future.

The Icehouse, a business development hub, is celebrating five years of operations in Hawke's Bay with an office now at the Hawke's Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri and programmes run in the region for business owners and staff.

Ms de Lautour said that since 2013 the organisation had engaged with 450 businesses in Hawke's Bay, with 65 per cent of those subsequently realising new products or creating a new sales channel.

More than 80 per cent had employed one or more staff members, while 75 per cent had improved their bottom line.

"This year we have seen a significant increase in business owners moving to Hawke's Bay, setting up an office or launching new products here and it's great to see local people in their 20s picking up jobs with these owners and having the option to stay in the Bay."

This year Xero demonstrated a commitment to the regions with the establishment of a Hawke's Bay office at the Tech Collective development in Ahuriri with 30 staff.

Ms de Lautour said Xero's move to the region was an excellent endorsement for Hawke's Bay and the advantages of living and working here.