Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Update

With results of their quarterly Marlborough Business Confidence survey just released, and plenty of events on the horizon, it’s a busy time for the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. Marlborough Weekly’s William Woodworth spoke to CEO Pete Coldwell and Membership and Events Manager Zoe Gray.

Overview

Marlborough’s economy is holding strong despite rough economic seas domestically and worldwide, says Chamber of Commerce CEO Pete Coldwell.

Despite 45 per cent of respondents saying the New Zealand economy is in a deteriorating state, faith in the Marlborough economy, local industries and own businesses has stayed steady from this time last year.

While uncertainty has increased, negative sentiment in Marlborough businesses has shrunk from the end of 2022 – with the Chamber much preferring uncertainty to negativity.

Businesses across the economy are also expecting a income rebound, with 50 per cent of answers saying they expect better revenue this year than 2022.

Feedback showed 50 per cent of businesses are after technical workers, and the Chamber of Commerce says that ongoing projects are targeted at solving issues Marlborough’s economy has highlighted in the report.

“New projects across multiple sectors including Marlborough’s new Tech Hub are also scheduled for Scott Street in early 2024, and the large construction projects ongoing across the region are keeping a really significant base to the economy through that sector”, says Pete.

“It seems like we’re riding out the waves pretty well so far.”

The results also show that there are job prospects across the region, with 43 per cent of respondent currently recruiting. Demand for local workers is outstripping supply, meaning there is lots of competition for staff in Marlborough.

Business Excellence

To celebrate the year’s successes, the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards will be held at Omaka Landing on November 17.

Events Manager Zoe Gray is eager for Marlborough’s business community to celebrate another year of development and success.

“The agrotech space has some exciting developments this year, specifically around finding solutions to primary industry problems,” she says.

“There’s some incredibly clever Marlburians doing some groundbreaking stuff.”

“Last year’s awards were an explosion of positivity after lockdowns and this one is a chance to come together and celebrate starting to get through the expected wave of recession.

“There’s lots of depth in the New and Emerging categories too.

“Many long-time businesses don’t enter, but entering these awards is also a great excuse to do a stocktake and get a full analysis of your business by our judges.”

Global Cities NZ Conference

Marlborough will host this special conference on November 7 and 8, helping spotlight the region as a place of business opportunity.

“The relationships Marlborough have with Tendo, Otari and Ningxia are very strong, and we’re really rolling out the Marlborough red carpet treatment showing off our innovative economy to guests working alongside Marlborough Tour Company”, explains Pete.

With high-level political, business and technological invitations sent out as part of the Sister Cities NZ Conference, the Chamber is encouraging Marlburians to get in touch for opportunities.

General Election at a local level

The final local candidate debate will be held on September 27 at Marlborough Girls’ College hall.

“It’s free and open to all on a weeknight, with people able to ask our candidates questions that matter to you – especially with the possibility of two sitting MPs from the region.

“The fact we had David Seymour here last week and we’re getting the Finance Minister here two weeks before the election shows Marlborough has real importance this election, and we want everyone involved,” Pete says.

The chamber will also host a morning tea at the Landsdowne Hub in Blenheim with Minister of Finance the Hon Grant Robertson on 25 September. Tickets for Chamber of Commerce members are $30 and non-members $45. Registrations are open online via https://business.marlboroughchamber.nz/eventcalendar.