Bay of Plenty Business News Year Book 2023

TAURANGA BUSINESS
CHAMBER
Champions for business
AS WE MAKE STRIDES
IN our conscious effort
to live and work in
a more sustainable
world, we also look
to the actions of local
businesses to see if
our actions are being matched. To keep
pace with these changes, businesses
need to evolve and take note of the
expectations of their customers, other
businesses, and the wider ecosystem.
It’s also an opportunity to respond with
new approaches and solutions, which
can have positive effects on a business,
and inspire others to lead change in
a similar way. A focus on sustainability
brings far-reaching benefits to a
business, that extend beyond a simple
sustainability message.
Top of mind for all businesses right now
is budget. There may be a misconception
among some that sustainability comes
with a higher price tag, but in truth
operating in a more sustainable way can
bring significant cost reductions and
efficiencies. Reducing waste often brings
lower operational expenses, freeing
up budget and time for higher-value
activities.
There’s also the option to embrace
ethical sourcing, reducing the carbon
footprint a business leaves, by seeking
local suppliers and providers.
This is a proven story and environmental
ethos that resonates with customers
– increasing loyalty and brand
appreciation, and providing your
business with an opportunity to
differentiate in what’s often a crowded
market.
But it’s not only customers who are
growing an environmental awareness;
potential employees are also mindful of
the ethos of businesses they are looking
to join.
In addition to talent attraction,
purpose-driven work is important to
current employees too, so an ongoing
commitment to sustainable practices can
enhance staff loyalty and retention.
Perhaps most importantly, a wider
environmental and societal awareness
shows that a business has a commitment
to future-proofing – not only the
business itself, but also its customers, and
the environment they operate in.
The role of Tauranga Business Chamber
is to champion businesses in the Western
Bay of Plenty region. The Chamber
provides a channel for members to
not only to connect and share their
business story, but also to share their
expertise with other members and the
wider business community. There’s also
business support to set up and build
success at every stage of the business
journey.
CEO, Matt Cowley, says “part of being
passionate about the future of business
in the region is championing those
businesses who are making a difference
in a sustainable way”.
“Taking the Chamber and other Chamber
members on the sustainability journey
benefits everyone.”
The Chamber’s website hosts a collection
of articles which share how businesses
from different backgrounds are
approaching their sustainability journey,
either as the focus of the business itself,
or as part of systems and processes.
The Chamber’s events are another
channel for a business to connect with
the local community and highlight their
environmental work. Either by joining
in conversations with like-minded
businesspeople at the regular events,
or hosting an event and sharing a more
detailed insight into a business’s story
and its impact on the local community.
Matt says the Chamber is here to support
members at all stages of their
business journey, and to foster
opportunities for members to
learn from each other in their
sustainability efforts.
TAURANGA.ORG.NZ
“Taking the Chamber and other
Chamber members on the sustainability
journey benefits everyone.”
MATT COWLEY
28 | YEAR BOOK 2023