Welcome to Business South
Connect.Navigate.Empower.Business South is your Southern Business Association.
We believe that every business should have the best chance at being the best it can be, we optimise employers' health and growth potential through a wide range of support services, training and networking opportunities for whatever stage they are at and advocate for businesses with decision-makers in local and central government.
Business South is plugged-in, live and connected. Put simply, we're the region's go-to people around ways to accelerate business growth.
Business Health Check
How healthy is your business?
Do our FREE Health Check - designed to give you a read on the fundamental areas of your business, and identify areas that might need some more attention.
Part of a wider community
Stronger Together
When you join Business South, you also become part of an expansive national business network with expertise in all areas of business.
As a collective, our voices are amplified. We engage directly with decision-makers, meeting regularly with the Prime Minister, Government Ministers, MPs and other officials to champion your interests and to stay ahead of developments that affect business.
Phone App
Download the Business South phone app to get access to local discounts and hear about the latest updates!
Members App
Business Health Check
Fine-tune your business with this quick and easy online and FREE assessment.
How healthy is your business?
of businesses believe their region is focusing on the right kinds of projects and initiatives to ensure a vibrant and sustainable business community.
of businesses are clear what their region will be known for in 10 years' time.
of businesses believe there is a clear vision and aspiration for their region that is well articulated and understood.
Who are you?
At Business South, we support a wide array of organisations, people and communities.
Select one to be directed to relevant services:
Who are you?
At Business South, we support a wide array of organisations, people and communities.
Select one to be directed to relevant services:
Testimonials
Also take a look at our other testimonials
Call for Board Nominations
Nominations are now open for four positions on the Board of Business South Incorporated.
Business South is going from strength to strength, and we are now embarking on a growth phase for our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation, driving support and advocacy for businesses across Otago and Southland.
The Complexities of Calculating Leave and Holidays Act reform
The complexity of the Holidays Act 2003 has been loudly trumpeted for many years amongst practitioners in the legal, human resources, and payroll spaces. A taskforce was set up in 2018 to simplify the Act and in 2020, the government endorsed all recommendations. The current government is set to review and enact the changes albeit modified reflecting the current governments priorities.
Due to the complexity, we will provide a rolling review of the types of changes that have been talked about, but not yet enacted into legislation.
New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE
New Zealand and the UAE have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement following the launch of negotiations on May 7th of this year. The agreement will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region.
Greater clarity around contractors
Contracting is the preferred method of working for many New Zealanders, says EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald.
"Whether people are operating in the gig economy or transitioning between jobs, contracting can offer flexibility, variety, better pay, opportunities at upskilling and work experience," says McDonald.
Dunedin Central City Safety Advisory Group - Update 26 August
Mike Collins (CEO at Business South) is part of the Central City Safety Advisory Group to help advocate for a safe city centre. The group has representatives from the DCC, Police, Otago Regional Council, the Principals Association, Business South, mana whenua, Pacific Trust Otago and youth representatives.
We will be posting regular updates on what is being discussed in this group
We need your feedback!
We are undertaking a ‘Training Pulse Check’ of our training platform to ensure our training courses are perfectly customised to your business needs.
Fill in this survey (only takes 5 minutes) and go into the draw to win a Training Voucher to the value of $1,000.
August 2024 Quarterly Southern Business Survey
Southern business confidence has picked up this quarter, coupled with the recent fall in interest rates and anticipated improvements in individual financial performance and eased labour market constraints.
Read the latest findings from the Quarterly Southern Business Survey.
Uber loses appeal - court rules drivers are employees, not contractors
The Court of Appeal is backing four Uber drivers in their fight to be treated as employees, rather than contractors.
The court dismissed Uber’s appeal of a 2022 Employment Court decision that also ruled in favour of the drivers.
Letter from the BSCO Chair
Read about the latest updates and successes of the Central Otago Business Community.
Leadership Academy 2024 - Scholarship announcement
Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities and Business South have partnered to support the leadership development of newcomers within the business, community and non-profit sectors.
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
