The Business Focus Group organised the November 15 UFB Get-together, which was attended by around 125 people keen to learn about the opportunities UFB makes possible. (Anyone who was unable to attend, can view the 45 minute video of the event on the Council's website.)
The Digital Leaders Forum is considering holding a two-day UFB EXPO in mid 2012, to demonstrate to local organisations and individuals how and why they should take advantage of the opportunities early access to UFB makes possible.
The Council has clearly recognised the huge and positive impact UFB can have in the Wanganui district, both through its funding of UFB initiatives and its encouragement of innovation in Wanganui.
When lobbying to receive early UFB fibre deployment, the Council's slogan was "First in Fibre!" They were third, but are determined to lead New Zealand in ensuring that organisations in Wanganui and District quickly connect to the UFB fibre, and take maximum advantage of the amazing opportunities it makes available.
As one of the Council's staff members with UFB responsibility said:
"With the early roll out of ultrafast broadband, Wanganui managed to get ahead. We are
determined to stay ahead!"
A new way to take maximum advantage of the innovative products, services and ideas of Wanganui's organisations and individuals in today's "ultrafast" world
In the past, it was possible for someone to develop a prototype to test their innovative idea, then patent it, and finally establish a new business to manufacture and market the product. Today, however, we are living in an increasingly fast changing digital world, and the inevitably long time frames involved in the above process, results in far too many brilliant and world leading Kiwi ideas coming to nothing.
One way to overcome the above problem, is for people with innovative products or even ideas, to first obtain high quality advice on the protection of intellectual property, and then make contact with an established, innovative organisation which is already successfully marketing products or services in the same sector, with the goal of establishing a mutually beneficial on-going relationship.
Unfortunately, New Zealand's "Tall Poppy" disease is very much alive and well, even among those large and successful New Zealand companies, and so most New Zealanders have little or no knowledge of the products and services of our most innovative companies, and their amazing export success.
To assist any Wanganui and district people who want to maximise the return for their innovative products or ideas, this column will each week briefly describe New Zealand's largest and most successful and innovative organisations which are involved in non-traditional exports.
Tait Radio Communications - 2010 revenue around $200 million - 95 per cent export! Tait focuses on public safety and government agencies and utilities, whose operations rely on effective radio communications. It operates in more than 150 countries and has more than 5000 customers. Tait has seven offshore facilities and more than a third of the company's 850 employees are based outside its Christchurch headquarters. Its customers include the Fire Department of New York, Shanghai Fire Service, London Buses, and Sao Paulo Police.
Article contributed by the Wanganui Employers Chamber of Commerce UFB Business Strategy Group. To suggest initiatives which you believe should be considered for inclusion in the group's Strategic Plan, or to contact the group, drop an email to john.patty@xtra.co.nz
