Business Canterbury

14/04/2026

Lessons from Christchurch business owners on building trust through change

Christchurch businesses have been through a lot, but what’s standing out right now is resilience, and a clear focus on building trust, even in uncertain times.

In this latest blog, Islay Wharton (Forme) shares insights from Ekos, Cactus Outdoor and Grizzly Baked Goods, exploring how local business owners are navigating change without compromising what they stand for. From setting firm boundaries to backing product quality and staying consistent as they grow, it’s a strong reminder that trust is built through actions over time, not just words.

Well worth a read for any business thinking about long-term resilience 👇

Discover how Christchurch business owners build trust through strategic brand choices amid change, ensuring resilience and long-term success.

08/04/2026

Canterbury businesses should aspire to be Canterbury Trusted.

Because trust is not claimed, it is earned and verifiable.

Click to learn more → https://hubs.ly/Q048QxCD0

07/04/2026

⭐ A new episode of the Bold Company Podcast has just landed! Season 3 wraps up with a powerful final conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Hannah and Tim sit down with Dame Sue Bagshaw, doctor and Chair of the YouthHub CHCH Trust, to explore a lifetime dedicated to supporting young people in Christchurch: https://hubs.li/Q049nRgS0

They dive into:

🟢 Identifying gaps in youth health services and turning insight into action
🟢 The journey from the Youth One Stop Shop to the creation of the Youth Hub
🟢 Why strong relationships and workplace culture are critical to success
🟢 The role businesses can play in supporting youth employment and wellbeing

From decades on the frontlines of youth health to leading transformational community initiatives, Sue shares a deeply personal perspective on purpose-led leadership, resilience, and the power of belonging.

This season is proudly supported by Christchurch Airport and the University of Canterbury, with production by Ruffells.

06/04/2026

🌟 Ready to grow your Canterbury business network?

By becoming part of our community, you'll have access to valuable networking opportunities, increase your brand visibility, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals. Learn more here: https://hubs.li/Q048Qm5M0

31/03/2026

🍫 A new episode of the Bold Company Podcast has just landed! Season 3 continues to bring the bold conversations, and this one is not to be missed.

In this episode, Hannah and Tim sit down with Sarah Adams, Managing Director of Queen Anne Chocolates, to explore what it takes to lead a much-loved Canterbury brand with a rich legacy and national recognition: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dAASbgFW4eYiUzcpy4c1b?si=IvakL9ioRQK2mAB_DKzE5Q

They dive into:

🟢 Balancing heritage with innovation in an evolving market
🟢 Building customer loyalty across generations
🟢 Navigating the realities of modern manufacturing and retail
🟢 Scaling beyond the region while staying true to brand roots

From the intensity of the Easter rush to the challenge of staying relevant in a competitive landscape, Sarah shares a candid perspective on leading with purpose while protecting tradition.

This season is proudly supported by Christchurch Airport and the University of Canterbury, with production by Ruffells.

29/03/2026

Looking for talent? Access NZ’s largest pre-screened talent pipeline supported by dedicated experts.

Explore more today: https://hubs.li/Q048Qnhk0

27/03/2026

📢 UPDATE Managing Fuel Pressures: Guidance for New Zealand Businesses

New Zealand businesses can be reassured that fuel supplies remain healthy, with more than 40 days of stock currently available. However, global market conditions mean fuel prices are expected to stay elevated.

While supply is stable, understanding the Government’s planning framework and preparing for potential impacts is essential for businesses across all sectors. Read our latest update here: https://hubs.li/Q048y-170

26/03/2026

🥐 Episode 5 has just dropped! The bold conversations keep rolling on the Bold Company Podcast Season 3.

In this episode, Hannah and Tim sit down with Sam Ellis from Grizzly Baked Goods to share the journey from a 2013 farmers market bagel stall to one of Christchurch’s most loved bakeries: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZZhfCpwhzQE4LZpEfr699?si=VSOtic6ORje_gUzC216pSg

They explore:

🟢 Growing from a small market setup to a thriving hospitality business
🟢 Scaling a team from 12 to 70 staff
🟢 The role of social media in building a loyal following
🟢 Creating a strong brand rooted in consistency, creativity, and community

It’s a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, hospitality growth, and the hustle behind great bread. Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to build something special from the ground up.

This season is proudly supported by Christchurch Airport and the University of Canterbury, with production by Ruffells.

24/03/2026

Lately we’ve been hearing from businesses who are already feeling the ripple effects of rising fuel costs and tightening supply chains as the Middle East conflict evolves.

We’re beginning to see the first signs of change, and it’s helpful to take stock early.

To help our community make sense of what’s emerging, we’re hosting a short 30‑minute session: what we know so far, what could come next, and the practical steps that can be taken now rather than later.

Hear from our Chief Executive, Leeann Watson and Phil Lemon, Business Advisor at Prime Strategies Group as they unpack the early impacts and answer your questions.

If this is something you’re watching too, register now — free for members.

👉https://hubs.li/Q0487M4K0

18/03/2026

🎙️ Episode 4 is live! The bold conversations continue on the Bold Company Podcast Season 3. In this episode, Hannah and Tim sit down with Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport: https://hubs.li/Q047gsR30

They explore:

🟢 The vital role aviation plays in powering Canterbury’s economy
🟢 Leading one of the region’s most important infrastructure assets
🟢 The future of air travel and global connectivity
🟢 How “corridors in the sky” link Ōtautahi to international markets

It’s a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, connectivity, regional growth, and the opportunities ahead for Canterbury.

This season is proudly supported by Christchurch Airport and the University of Canterbury, with production by Ruffells.

16/03/2026

📢 The Holidays Act replacement has been introduced to parliament and passed its first reading today.

This is a piece of legislation that has been stuck in review for years and these changes will make it clearer and more workable for both employers and employees. Highlights include a single leave calculation for both annual leave and sick leave (which will move to a pro-rata model based on hours worked), a simplified Leave Compensation Payment for hours worked beyond contracted hours, and a simplified test for Public Holiday Leave.

For a full analysis of the changes and to understand next steps and timing for implementation, you can read the blog on our website:

Discover the key changes in the proposed Employment Leave Act and how it simplifies leave calculations and entitlements for employers and employees.

12/03/2026

That’s a wrap on another fantastic Women in Business Forum! 🥂

We were lucky to hear from an inspiring group of panellists who shared their journeys so openly, covering everything from guilty pleasure TV shows to unwind, through to the importance of prioritising physical and mental wellbeing.

A huge thank you to Hannah Hardy-Jones (Contented AI), Dr Lucy Hone and Maury Leyland (Leaft Foods) for their honesty in sharing their experiences in life and business. And to our event partners: Cambridge Partners and New Zealand Media & Entertainment, we could not have done it without you!

We’re incredibly proud of the Women in Business community we’ve built here at Business Canterbury, and it’s always great to see so many familiar faces at these events. Looking forward to the next one later this year! Who would you like to hear speak? Drop your ideas below...