Ann Gibbard - Business Consultant - Oxygen8

17/06/2026

Not just another AI post - this is important for all businesses.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations. Employees are using AI tools to draft emails, create content, analyse data, and improve productivity—often without formal guidance from their employer.

While the opportunities are significant, so are the risks. Staff can inadvertently share confidential information, customer data, or commercially sensitive material with external AI platforms. Without clear governance, businesses may also face privacy, security, and reputational risks.

For SME businesses, the question is no longer whether AI should be used, but how it should be managed. A well-designed AI policy helps organisations capture the benefits of AI while protecting their data, their customers, and their reputation.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-your-business-why-every-sme-needs-usage-policy-ann-gibbard-a1l6e

03/06/2026

Every month, I prepare and review management reports with each of my clients.

For many, it’s a turning point. They start seeing parts of their business they’ve never really examined before—or only revisit once a year when the accountant delivers the financial statements.

It’s not surprising. Running an SME means being deep in the day-to-day. Weeks slip by, and before you know it, a month (or two) has passed without stepping back to assess the bigger picture.

Monthly reporting fixes that. It gives you visibility, control, and the ability to act early—not after the fact.

Every month, I prepare and review management reports with each of my clients. For many, it’s a turning point.

20/05/2026

As a business grows, the owner’s role must evolve. You can’t do everything yourself—nor should you. Delegation is essential if you want to free up time to focus on the areas that truly drive value.

One of the first functions typically handed over is finance administration—particularly payroll and accounts. It makes sense. These are process-driven, repeatable tasks that can sit comfortably with an admin team member or external bookkeeper.

But here’s where many businesses go wrong: they delegate the task—and unintentionally give away control.

As a business grows, the owner’s role must evolve. You can’t do everything yourself—nor should you.

06/05/2026

With the Government Budget set to be announced on 28 May, many New Zealand business owners will be watching closely. As the last budget before the General Election, it will signal priorities, spending direction, and the broader economic outlook.

But here’s the reality: while the Budget matters, it is unlikely to materially improve your day-to-day business performance in the short term.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/budget-2026-dont-wait-fix-your-business-ann-gibbard-ir3oe

22/04/2026

As a small business owner it’s tempting to consolidate your "admin" tasks. You sit down with a staff member, review their KPIs, set goals for next year, and then—in the final five minutes—discuss their new wages or salary. It feels efficient.

In reality, it’s a missed opportunity for growth.

As a small business owner with a lean team, it’s tempting to consolidate your "admin" tasks. You sit down with a staff member, review their KPIs, set goals for next year, and then—in the final five minutes—discuss their new wages or salary.

17/04/2026

Out for a celebration lunch with the Comfort Solutions team. Congratulations Dan and Adam for 10 years in business.

08/04/2026

With another major weather system forecast to hit the North Island this weekend, many businesses are once again being reminded how quickly operations can be disrupted.

Recent storms and power outages have highlighted a simple reality: disaster recovery planning is no longer optional—it’s a core part of running a resilient business.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/disaster-recovery-planning-ann-gibbard-o3hke

07/04/2026

There are plenty of courses out there - MAPS was designed differently.

- No competitors in your group, so you can be open about your challenges.
- Practical tools that you’ll actually use day-to-day.
- Ongoing accountability so you stay on track.

It’s not about theory - it’s about results. I’d love to see you at the next intake.

Find out more here → oxygen8.co.nz/maps/

27/03/2026

Interesting commentary following up the discussion in my blog yesterday.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/590790/distant-conflict-local-crisis-is-this-oil-shock-the-wake-up-call-nz-needed?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQzw7JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR5GFwZ3aHTezDZWWGqr4OH8SeBZ-Jmz2RHPRkovuktp9RoaQDhr-cTM62EN3Q_aem_CGdAAOzEnNZOEbf-witPIg

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called the crisis "one of the most significant oil shocks we've had in history".

25/03/2026

I am not an economist, but we need to discuss the current situation facing businesses with global economic uncertainty and skyrocketing fuel prices.

I am not an economist, but we need to discuss the current situation facing businesses with global economic uncertainty and skyrocketing fuel prices. The longer the war in the Middle East continues, the more likely there will be lasting economic consequences, slowing down or stopping our economic rec