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Business has quite literally taken off for a local kite and windsock manufacturer -- thanks to the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC).
| New customers, new suppliers and new
approaches to business have all given Sydenham based
Skylines and Bylines a lift since they started using
various CDC services. "Straight after listing on the Businesslink Canterbury database we received an enquiry from a clothing manufacturer wanting a kite theme to promote a new range. The listing proved its worth almost immediately," said Julie Adam, director of Skylines and Bylines. |
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A little later Businesslink's purchase enquiry service came to the rescue when one of Julie's regular suppliers could no longer meet increasing demand. Demonstrating how the purchase enquiry service works to help businesses improve their market knowledge, materials from the new supplier enabled the company to develop a hand held wind spinner toy.
Expertise from CDC's Business in the Community mentor service has also been invaluable to Skylines and Bylines. This service matches the diverse skills of experienced volunteers to the individual needs of client businesses.
"Having someone from a craft-based industry to talk to about marketing and general management issues has really helped me to focus on where the best opportunities are," said Julie.
"I have plenty of friends who are supportive and listen, but having someone with experience and expertise who is able to give good advice really helps to clarify the thinking."
Principally funded by the Christchurch City Council, the CDC promotes economic growth and employment opportunities in Canterbury.
For further information on Businesslink, purchase enquiry, mentoring or any of CDC's other services, call 379 5575.
| David Wright (left) of Coast Care, part of Christchurch City Council's Parks Unit, accepts a $2,000 cheque presented by Judy Grindell and Rob Earle of Manaaki Whenua -- Landcare Research. |  |
Coast Care won the award jointly with Council's Water Services Unit for waterway and coastal enhancements, acknowledging the two Council units' combined approach to environmental care based on scientific research and practical ecology. Part of the Canterbury Regional Council's environment awards, the $2,000 will be used for further research to monitor the condition of sand dunes.