The Hawke’s Bay Business Hub is maturing into a busy and vibrant resource that’s being well utilised by the local business community.
2018 marks the third birthday of Hawke’s Bay Business Hub. The Hub, as it’s more commonly known, is a key initiative of Business Hawke’s Bay, the business-led economic development agency with a region-wide focus, devoted to creating the right climate for businesses to thrive in the Bay.
Carolyn Neville, CEO of Business Hawke’s Bay says that the Business Hub is a focal point and fantastic resource for the region’s business community and delivers a collaborative environment focused on business success and growth.
“We’re seeing record use of Business Hub facilities from a range of businesses, social enterprises and individuals, and the ways in which we serve business is growing all the time.”
To make sure the business community knows what’s available, how to make use of Business Hub facilities and to illustrate the versatility of the venue, a photoshoot was recentlyheld.Theresultingimagesshowcase a modern, flexible facility, that can support a wide range of activities including a training session, product launch, workshop, board meeting, networking event or recruitment drive. The Business Hub can cater for small or larger groups of up to 60, and the all-inclusive room hire is surprisingly cost effective.
Hawke’s Bay Business Hub:
- Light, bright and modern meeting and conference rooms
- A range of room sizes and facilities, with modest daily rates
- Free WiFi
- DIY espresso coffee
- Presentation/multimedia equipment available according to the room hire, and covered in the hire price
- Commercial grade kitchen facilities
- Conveniently located in Bridge Street, Ahuriri
Hawke’s Bay Business Hub’s resources and rooms are available to everyone, says Carolyn Neville.
“We welcome visitors and there’s an open invitation to the business community to drop by and see us.
“If you’re in Napier for business and have a gap between meetings, feel free to drop- in and experience the buzz of The Business Hub. It’s free, and you never know who you might meet. Grab a DIY espresso coffee (for a gold coin donation), tap into our WiFi, perch on a stool at our white board tables in the breakout area and watch our vibrant business community in action.”
Hands-on-help for business people to develop and grow their business
The Business Hub is much more than a collection of rooms and well-appointed spaces, says Carolyn Neville.
“It’s the place where Hawke’s Bay business people come to learn, share, connect, grow their skills and unleash their business potential.
“At the Hub, people can get hands-on-help to develop their skills, grow their business and
make the right connections. For example, the response to the Hub Connect 123 pilot programme and in particular, the business starter session (featured in February’s The Profit) has been outstanding.
“We are gearing up to do much more in 2018 to make sure we provide businesses and business people with the right kind of support, starting with Friday Coffee Talks.
“It’s is a brand-new initiative incorporating a welcome end-of-the-week caffeine hit as well as valuable business networks, business insight, and the support to power businesses forward.
“We’ll have a barista brewing up the flat whites as industry experts share their entrepreneurial journey, wisdom and lessons learnt along the way. The event format is a 45-60 minute interactive presentation followed by plenty of time for Q&A and networking over coffee.
“These sessions are suited for anyone thinking of starting a business, new to business or wanting to gain more
understanding to help grow their current business. Sessions will be relevant, practical and interesting. They’re great value for money and well worth the investment of time away from work. Every coffee talk will have practical take away learnings.
“And for those with a business problem, The Hub’s Ask an Expert session, also on selected Friday mornings, is free and the chance to get initial advice followed by a referral for specific, detailed support.”
Fridays at Hawke’s Bay Business Hub:
• Business insights with the Friday Coffee Talks guest speaker series covering a range of business relevant topics ranging from marketing, on-boarding for new employees and market validation ($15 Business Hub members, $20 standard). Check Business Hub website for dates.
• Specialist advice with Ask an Expert – a free drop in session over two hours on Friday mornings that includes experts such as lawyers, accountants, HR/health and safety, and Regional Business Partners. No appointment necessary. Check Business Hub website for dates and the expert line up for each session.
• On-site barista; gold coin koha for a coffee.
Carolyn Neville says that 2018 is gearing up to be a big year for Hawke’s Bay Business Hub.
“We’ll be launching even more new ways to support the business community, drive business growth and contribute to the regional economy. We’re passionate our region and helping it to grow.”
For more information: www.hbbusinesshub.co.nz/hubevents or drop in to 36 Bridge Street, Ahuriri.
