North's latest movers and shakers

Onerahi editor of Savvy Magazine and social media guru Philippa Mannagh is running a new online upskilling network. Photo / Sarah Marshall

In the last Business Bulletin column of 2015, Christine Allen reports on the new businesses and innovative ideas that have kicked off in Northland.

The Warehouse has opened its doors with a new Kaitaia store. The opening of the store at 2 North Park Drive on November 27 saw the existing Matthews Ave store replaced and was part of a wider redevelopment programme and upgrade of Warehouse stores throughout the country.

Simon Turner CEO of The Warehouse said "The Far North District is a growing demographic and we've invested considerable time in finding a bigger and better location for this store to ensure we offer people in the region better access to a great range of products, low prices, and an enhanced in-store experience."

The 3774sq m store was designed as a convenient, one-stop family shopping destination, offering products and services from baby, toys, technology, clothing, jewellery, everything for the home and garden, to health and beauty, pet care, and everyday family essentials.

In Dargaville, Krista Franklin opened Kristabelle's Retreat on December 2. Having travelled and worked in London and Sydney, Krista is enjoying a career change from admin to massage therapy.

Her new business is located on Victoria Street in Edwin Arcade.

She says she has found her niche - helping others to relax.

Auckland-based Shore Therapy has arrived in Whangarei with Aimi Tipton managing the new Northland branch.

Operating at 1 James St, three staff are located at the centre which offers long and short-term psychotherapy and counselling to individuals and couples.

All three staff had been working in mental health services in the Auckland area for a number of years before joining Shore Therapy, which works with issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, marriage counselling, trauma (sexual and physical), post/prenatal depression, sexual dysfunction, porn addiction and a wide variety of other diagnosis. The centre also provides therapy via Skype.

In Kerikeri, Nicole Walker has opened up The Palms Bistro at 32 Wiroa Rd. Employing a team of seven people, the bar and bistro is set in sub-tropical gardens and serves up live entertainment and food, including local seafood.

Onerahi editor of Savvy Magazine and social media guru, Philippa Mannagh, has kicked off a new type of networking and upskilling group.

The owner of Liked Media started up an online community group for those who want to reach new heights in business and find the support in all areas to lend a hand in their business journey.

The member-only Facebook group runs off an expert panel system, where every month a carefully selected member will provide information and direction around that topic.

Philippa says she found inspiration to start her own online group after her involvement in one similar proved a crucial part of learning and support for her own business, Liked Media.

"I encountered confusion when I started out in business. There were so many areas to be the master of and I found myself spending a lot of time sourcing the right information and wondering who I should talk to. This way provides a daily place to check in before or throughout your work day and ongoing online support."

The online group features daily motivation, support and brainstorming, access to a panel of experts in all areas and focuses on a different theme for business each month.