Your Local Business Network - Greater Wellington Region

17/06/2024

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23/05/2024

Today I had the incredible honour of meeting Cheryl from Floralcollaborative, where floral artistry meets heartfelt intention. Founded in 2017 by Cheryl, Floral Collaborative brings a fresh perspective to the world of floral design.
Cheryl's journey into entrepreneurship began with a newfound lease on life after a hip operation. Despite lacking previous business experience, she didn't lack experience in floristry with 17 years in floristry. Cheryl's passion for creativity and a desire to make meaningful connections led her to launch Floral Collaborative.
At Floral Collaborative, Cheryl's love for corporate events shines through in her innovative approach to floral design. Specializing in creative textured looks and creating unforgettable moments, Cheryl works closely with her clients to bring their visions to life while staying within budget.
But it's Cheryl's dedication to funeral work that truly sets Floral Collaborative apart. Recognising the importance of honouring a loved one's memory, Cheryl infuses each arrangement with love and intention. For Cheryl, every funeral arrangement is an opportunity to create a meaningful tribute – a final gift to honour a life well-lived.
At Floral Collaborative, it's not just about flowers; it's about creating lasting memories. With Cheryl at the helm, Floral Collaborative promises to transform any occasion into an unforgettable experience, one bloom at a time a phenomenal business, I am excited to see where this year takes her.

15/05/2024

Today I had the amazing honour of meeting Nicky and Vaughn from Tweak It Joinery Solutions . Founded in 2014 by Vaughn and Nicky, Tweak It Joinery Solutions emerged from a simple yet profound realization: the heart of the home, the kitchen, was in need of care and attention. With a shared passion for craftsmanship and a desire to restore harmony to this vital space, Vaughn and Nicky set out on a mission to revolutionize home maintenance and design.

Tweak It began as a humble venture, focusing on making small adjustments to existing kitchens. Recognizing the importance of preserving and enhancing the heart of the home, Vaughn and Nicky dedicated themselves to serving their community by maintaining and rejuvenating these essential living spaces.

As Tweak It grew, so did its ambition. In 2020, fueled by a commitment to meet the evolving needs of their customers, Vaughn and Nicky expanded their services to include manufacturing. This strategic move allowed them to provide customized products tailored to their clients' unique requirements, ensuring that every kitchen reflected the personality and style of its inhabitants.

But Tweak It is more than just a joinery solution provider—it's a beacon of collaboration and partnership. Vaughn and Nicky understand the importance of building meaningful relationships, not just with their customers but also with their suppliers. By fostering strong ties with their network of suppliers, they ensure access to high-quality materials and resources, enabling them to deliver exceptional results with every project.

Fueling their passion for innovation and technology, Tweak It has embraced 3D design and implemented a seamless walk-through system. This cutting-edge approach allows clients to visualize their dream kitchens in stunning detail before any work begins, ensuring that every aspect is precisely tailored to their vision.

Their dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Tweak It was honored as winners of the Master Joiner Regional award for their commission project with Booth's Trucking, a testament to their craftsmanship and commitment to delivering outstanding results.

At Tweak It Joinery Solutions, the kitchen isn't just a room—it's the heart and soul of the home. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and client satisfaction, Vaughn and Nicky continue to bring harmony and beauty to every kitchen they touch, one tweak at a time

18/04/2024

Today, I had the amazing honour of meeting Louise from Outsourced Personnel. Launched in January 2020, by identifying a gap in the market Outsourced Personnel swiftly emerged as Whanganui's answer to a office based boutique recruitment agency.
Louise's journey is one marked by passion and proficiency. With a background in Marketing, HR, and Event Management, she brings over two decades of experience to the table. With a love for Whanganui and an unwavering commitment to enhancing business connectivity, it really is Louise's dream job.
Outsourced Personnel isn't just another recruitment agency; it's a catalyst for change in how businesses approach staffing needs. Louise's holistic approach emphasises not only matching individuals with great jobs but also streamlining processes to save businesses both time and money.
Specialising in office-based roles Outsourced Personnel caters to a diverse array of industries, from accounting and law to construction and tourism. Louise's extensive local networks and finely honed intuition ensure that clients receive personalised solutions tailored to their unique requirements.
At the heart of Outsourced Personnel lies a steadfast commitment to excellence. With a comprehensive database of over 300 skilled candidates and counting, Louise delivers rapid, reliable results. Whether it's filling temporary, contract, or permanent roles, Outsourced Personnel is equipped to handle it all.
But what truly sets Outsourced Personnel apart is its unwavering dedication to building lasting relationships. Louise understands that attitude is everything, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that every candidate not only possesses the requisite skills but also embodies the right mindset to thrive in any role.
By engaging Outsourced Personnel, clients embrace a low-risk, high-reward approach to staffing. Louise's robust screening processes, targeted advertising strategies, and pursuit of excellence guarantee that clients get the best person for the job.
In a world where talent is abundant but the right fit is elusive, Outsourced Personnel stands as a beacon of hope. With Louise at the helm, the future of workforce office solutions in Whanganui looks brighter than ever, a truly remarkable business and I am excited to see what this year brings her.

17/04/2024

Today, I had the amazing privilege of meeting Alena Hume and her team, the creative force behind Alena Hume Bridal Alterations & Bespoke Gowns. With over 12 years of industry experience and 18 months running her own business, Alena has honed her craft, drawing from a lifetime of watching her mother expertly stitch together fabrics.
Alena's journey into the world of bridal alterations and bespoke gowns began with a background in fashion design, coupled with an inherent understanding of meticulous craftsmanship. Her hands-on experience includes apprenticing under her mother's tutelage and immersing herself in the artistry of bridal wear.
Alena prides herself on the relationships she cultivates and the connections she makes with her clients. Each gown alteration or bespoke creation is not just a transaction but a collaborative journey, where Alena works closely with brides to bring their vision to life.
Alena and her team are committed to excellence is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to quality. Whether it's hand-stitching delicate lace or carefully altering intricate beadwork, Alena approaches each task with precision and care.
Building a reputable name for herself, Alena's business is sought after by brides seeking that personal touch and unparalleled craftsmanship. Her portfolio boasts a stunning array of custom-designed gowns, each a testament to her artistry and skill.
Alena's philosophy revolves around transparency and longevity. She believes in doing things right the first time, ensuring that every bride feels confident and beautiful on her special day. With Alena Hume Bridal Alterations & Bespoke Gowns, brides can rest assured that their dream gown is in expert hands.
In addition to her dedication to craftsmanship, Alena is passionate about sustainability. She is actively exploring ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into her business, from sourcing sustainable fabrics to reducing waste in her design process.
Moreover, Alena fosters a body-positive and inclusive environment in her studio. She celebrates diversity and embraces brides of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, ensuring that every client feels valued, accepted, and beautiful.
As Alena looks to the future, she remains committed to continuous learning, innovation, and making a positive impact in the bridal industry. With each stitch, she weaves together dreams, creating timeless masterpieces that will be cherished for a lifetime. An amazing business and I'm excited to see what her next steps are.
Alena Hume

10/04/2024

Today I had the amazing honour of meeting James from JWL DRAINAGE LTD . James has had the business for 5 years but has over 15 years experience in the industry. James first started his working life in farming and moved into working for Higgins, and moved up the ladder to foreman/supervisor, to then taking the leap and diving into his own business. James really prides himself on the relationships he builds and connections he makes.
JWL Drainage have made a very reputable name for themselves with approved service connections contractor with the Palmerston North City Council, the Manawatu District Council and the Rangitikei District Council, to be approved by three different councils is proof of the impeccable work he and his team do. Every team member understands the importance of finishing a job well and puts safety first, will reassess things multiple times throughout a project to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Sometimes drain laying means trenching through roads, they only ever want to do the job once and they do everything to communicate and calculate to ensure the best outcome. James is constantly doing things to upskill himself and his team with research and development and keeping up to date with new technology or more efficient ways of doing things.
James' high standards is also shown with his equipment just because drain laying can be messy doesn't mean it has to show on the gear they use, every day they clean off the day's work ready for the next day, just like at work site they make sure everything is as tidy as it can be.
With James' wide range of knowledge they are able to take on complicated jobs and work with solutions in mind, they never ‘’wing’’ anything; everything is very calculated and concise. When you work with JWL Drainage you can feel at ease. James likes to keep everything transparent and looks at longevity and doing it once doing it right.
A truly fantastic business and I am so excited to see what their next steps are.

10/04/2024

Today I had the amazing honour of meeting Blair and the team from NEXT MOVE, a new business that was launched at the start of the year, even though the business is new Blair is not new to realty with over 19 years experience in the industry. Blair’s love for property and all things realty shines through, Blair saw a gap in the market and knew there had to be someone willing to make a change. At Next Move Agency they really put the emphasis on becoming more digital since the world is moving more and more toward that direction. They understand the importance of keeping with the times and doing whatever it takes to make the process of selling and buying easy for both the clients and the vendors. Blair has had previous experience in business and owned a business in Taranaki, with an array of knowledge not just in the realty industry but in business as well, you know you will be well looked after when you choose Next Move Agency.
Being a real estate agent is definitely not your typical 9-5 job, they understand the pressures and stresses of selling and buying. At Next Move Agency they go on the journey with you, they go above and beyond for their clients, and do whatever it takes to get the job done, and if that means mowing lawns before photos are taken or talking you through the process multiple times to make sure you understand they will do it. Blair and the team at Next Move Agency really enjoy building relationships and connections with their clients and vendors, they are constantly present in their lives and the conversions they have. They will tell the honest truth, and have very factual conversations. They will move heaven and earth to make things work for their clients and vendors, and ready for action when they're needed. Blair and the team are constantly getting recognised for their bespoke work, and how they personalize every aspect of the process. A truly remarkable business and I am so excited to see where this year takes them.
Blair Johns - Next Move

03/04/2024

Today I had the amazing privilege of meeting Tracy and Rodney from Speakeasy Events, an event hire business that fully supports their customers in whatever their needs are. No request is too big or too small; they cater to every individual whether you need a full wedding set up or just 12 wine glasses for an event. At Speakeasy Events they completely understand the stress and pressure most people are under when organizing an event, they go above and beyond for every customer. Their main value is ‘’we'll get it sorted for you’’. When you use Speakeasy Events hire they have a solution for every customer, and work within your budget. Tracy and Rodney listen intently to what your goals are for an event, your ‘’vibe’’, your desired outcome, and they do whatever it takes to make it work. At Speakeasy Events they have decor for every event, from corporate events, to funerals, to baby showers, to weddings, anything you need they can help with.
Tracy and Rodney bought the business 4 years ago two weeks after their own wedding, feeling inspired they launched into this new business with excitement and ready to facilitate magic for their clients, and promoted the ‘’pop up wedding’’ concept where everything is sorted for the client including venue, decorations, catering, drinks, photographer, celebrant and cake.
Tracy and Rodney love facilitating a moment. A recent client had a wedding planned for in a few months' time, until they received some devastating news about the bride's mum having a terminal illness. Knowing how important this wedding was for the whole family they organized a wedding in less than 6 weeks. Pulling everything to make it work for everyone, and still making it a magical moment for the couple. While also allowing the mother and the bride to have beautiful happy memories together.
At Speakeasy Events they Pride themselves on the relationships they build with their vendors, making the process for their clients easy and seamless.
A truly phenomenal business, and I am so excited to see where this year takes them.

25/03/2024

Today I had the amazing honour of meeting Nick and Charlotte from Kinetic Electrical - Whanganui Whanganui’s local trusted electricians. Nick and Charlotte prides themselves on their ability to find the right solutions for their customers needs, at Kinetic Electrical they understand that not everyone is an electrician and they can come up with long term solutions that the customer may not have thought of. Nick and Charlotte worked for the previous owner of Kinetic Electrical and built a strong bond, once an opportunity arose to take over the business they took it with both hands, taking over at the very end of 2023. Only new to their role as business owners, they already love working alongside their customers and tailoring each project to each customer's needs. Nick Previously worked in Western Australia doing telecommunications and railway systems, he has a lot of ‘’tools in his toolbox’’ meaning he's got a wide range of knowledge, wisdom and the ability to think on his feet. As a region we are incredibly lucky to have someone with such an immense range of knowledge.
Kinetic Electrical are highly family focussed with two little ones themselves they understand the importance of feeling safe and secure in your own home or place of work. At Kinetic Electrical they specialize in all commercial and industrial needs, and in residential security systems, home wiring and rewiring, switchboard upgrades, communications, heat pumps/air-condition units. They also love doing new build design and installation, and inspections. A truly well rounded and sophisticated business with an immense amount of knowledge that can tackle any electrical challenge.
An amazing couple with a fantastic business I am so excited to see what this first year in business entails.

21/03/2024

20/03/2024

Today I had the amazing privilege of meeting Malcolm from Capital Long Run, Malcolm started the business 6 years ago. Malcolm has over 13 years experience in the roofing industry and originally started down the path of plumbing but his love for being outside and creating safe shelter for people became so strong he had decided to specialize in roofing. Capital Long Run is a well known roofing company based in Wellington with a team of 6 qualified roofers. They pride themselves on their ‘’ do it once do it right’’ mentality.
Even though Capital Long Run enjoys building strong relationships and connections with their clients, they don't want to see the same roof again. Their high standards and impeccable sense of duty means they finish a job to completion.
Capital Long Run has done over 400 roofs just in the Wellington region, Malcolm feels immense delight when seeing his roofs driving around town, one particular newly developed culdesac is nearly completely roofed by Capital Long Run.
At Capital Long Run they have thought of everything; they have three of their very own G fab trailers which are trailers specially designed to carry roofing equipment and supplies so their client doesn't have to wait on a third party. They are able to move everything onsite and off site including scaffolding, Malcolm has truly thought of everything and that puts their clients at ease knowing that he's got it all sorted. Capital Long Run is a team of qualified professionals who tackle everything from complex large projects to smaller scale jobs. Fuelled by their commitment to excellence, they go the extra mile to make sure clients are completely satisfied with the work.
An absolutely outstanding business I am excited to see what this year entails for them.

18/03/2024

Today I had the amazing honour of meeting Louise from Smart Exchange Preloved Boutique Clothing , a retail clothing store that stocks pre-loved designer bands. Smart Exchange is a goldmine of pre-loved designer clothing, shoes and accessories in the Hokowhitu village. Louise started the business 11 years ago, after moving from England where she had previously been in the fashion and design industry. Louise loves all things to do with fashion, and knows that she had many designer garments just hanging in her wardrobe untouched for years, that other ladies must be in the same situation. Louise takes garments from all over NewZealand from the bottom of the south island all the way to Northland and everywhere in between. Every item of clothing is on consignment where the donator receives some money back for their beautiful pieces. When you walk into Smart Exchange you are greeted with a very bright, happy person who is willing to help you. Louise understands that not everyone enjoys shopping and goes above and beyond to give her customers the best experience, from styling tips, to figuring out what colours work with your skin tone, to outfitting a full outfit with just a few pieces. Louise loves to reignite that inner sparkle, women walk out of the fitting room in tears of joy, feeling empowered with confidence.
A truly magical shop with climate awareness at the forefront, it is known that we have enough clothes on this planet to clothe the next 2 generations. Louise is changing the narrative about second hand clothing, she is passionate about being sustainable and looking after our future generations. When you buy Smart Exchange , you are getting beautiful designer pieces that are timeless and classic at a fraction of the price, you are also helping the people who have donated, and you are also being climate conscious.
An incredible lady with an incredible shop, I am so excited to see where this year takes her.