The latest Quarterly Business Survey shows a continued improvement in confidence among Southern businesses, although there are businesses trying to work through some challenging times.

Thank you to our Otago and Southland businesses for stepping up and supporting this survey.  We had a great mix across business size, sectors and geographical spread.  The insights will be used in our advocacy work and at both central and local government levels. 

Read the Results here.   

2024 has been a challenging year, with rising costs, economic uncertainty, and political changes.

Yet, Central Otago remains resilient, boasting low unemployment, strong wage growth, and a vibrant small-business community.

The MET series is a new initiative to showcase some our fantastic local engineering and manufacturing companies, and also designed to provide an opportunity to network, share insights, information and an avenue to support our Manufacturing and Engineering companies.

On the 14th of November we held our first MET at EB Engineering, sponsored by Mainfreight. Read more about the event and key take aways from the night. 

We're thrilled to announce that any not-for profit receives 50% off on our training, thanks to the Otago Community Trust. This applies to members, but also non-members. Terms and Conditions apply.

Here at Business South, we are committed to supporting Not-For-Profit organisations across our region. We offer essential, resources, training, advocacy, networking opportunities, and tools to help your organisation succeed and make an even greater impact in the community. 

Thanks to recent funding, we're thrilled to announce a new specially discounted membership rate for Not-For-Profits. 

This past year has been one of growth, inclusiveness, and adaptation positioning us strongly for the future.

We have continued to realign and evolve our services to meet the changing needs of our members. Business South is increasingly recognised as a trusted and impactful partner within the regions of Otago and Southland and also across the Business NZ network and beyond.

Our reputation as a modern, progressive and adaptable organisation continues to grow. This being supported by a membership base that values relevance, diversity and solutions tailored to their needs. We have moved to an industry and sector model offering packages of services that meet the needs to these businesses.

Smart Blue technologies is based right here in Otago, has been using a business mentor which has been invaluable to their business.

They are eager to pioneer advanced technologies and solutions in the green energy sector. Their overarching purpose is to accelerate emissions reduction and actively contribute to the global endeavour towards a sustainable, carbon-free future. Their vision at SMARTBLUE TECHNOLOGIES is rooted in the belief that renewable energy should be available to all for the greater good of society.

There are eleven candidates standing for four places on the Business South Board.  

We have contracted electionz.com, to manage this process.

The primary contact of each eligible Business South member will receive one vote and this is via a voting platform with unique Pin and Password.

At Business South, our Callaghan Innovation team has access to a range of support and grants suitable for all stages of the business lifecycle.

Congrats to Education Perfect who were named as one of the top three companies recognised in the Callaghan Innovation - Sir Paul Callaghan 100 report. This report celebrates companies that have become the world-leading, world-bettering, innovative businesses that Sir Paul envisioned, who could "turn this country around” - into a high-wage, high-tech, high-value economy. 

At Business South, our Callaghan Innovation team has access to a range of supports and grants suitable for all stages of the business lifecycle. 

We are proud to announce the latest investment from Sprout Agritech in POP|Daily Canine Health, a company dedicated to redefining pet wellness with science-backed superfoods.\

Thanks to Callaghan Innovations Deep Tech Incubator program, POP has been able to access the funding needed to bring their vision to life. 

The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system, with the intention of improving efficiency and consistency across the country.