In this month’s feature we chat to the sponsors of this series – the team at Bizworx Consultancy.
Tell us about the history of Bizworx. When was it established, who was involved and where did it operate from?
The practice was founded in October 2000 by Lynne Wilkins who, at that stage, ran the practice on her own. Staff numbers grew to the 10 staff we employ today. In 2004 we began trading under the name Bizworx Consultancy Ltd, and at that point we were located at the back of the Westpac Bank, where we stayed until 2008. We then moved to 13 Wallis Street and have been there ever since.
How has it changed in the last year?
In December 2022, Lynne decided it was time to pursue other interests and sold the business to Sue Steedman. This was a change that had been planned for a number of years, so the transition to Sue taking over was business as usual. Sue has worked for Bizworx Consultancy since 2003 and has been actively involved in managing the business. So while she is the new owner, she is not new to the business.
What is the ethos of Bizworx?
We aim to provide quality, local service to local businesses and beyond. There is a growing trend for accounting firms to outsource work, some to overseas contractors – we don’t want this to be a part of our future. Our community is our main priority, and we are actively involved in a number of different organisations around town. We provide accounting services to many Not for Profits in and around Raglan and try to be active in our sponsorship of local groups. We want to be local, for our locals.
What are its strengths when working with local business clients?
We are a close-knit team who care about our clients. We want to see your business succeed. We work on a team approach, so there will always be someone who can help you with your questions. It also means you can draw on our collective knowledge and experience. We are familiar with our local business environment which can help you in your decision making.
What service do you offer start-up businesses?
It’s important when you are thinking about a new business, that you get your structure and processes right, from the beginning. There is a lot to consider when you’re starting out, and decisions you make can have a lasting impact on your business (and your bank account). We have experienced staff who can assist in making sure you get things right, from the start. We offer an initial free hour consultation if you come onboard as a client. Our advice, talk to us, first!
Who is currently on the team?
We have an awesome team, it’s our greatest strength. We all live locally and are involved in the Raglan and surrounding communities in a number of different ways. We have a huge pool of collective knowledge, with Sue, Brenda and Mal each having worked for Bizworx for 15 years or more.
Our accounting team is made up of Sue Steedman, Brenda Carter, Malcolm Davidson, Amanda Cron, Karen McClure, Jennifer Hjern and Monika Herbke. Our admin staff are Novalee McCowatt, Cheryl McNaughton and Stephanie Cornes.
A few words from Lynne Wilkins:
I recently received a certificate celebrating my Chartered Accountant (CA) status for forty years. Not only was the formal acknowledgement a pleasant surprise, it was a reason to stop and think – with deep appreciation – about the amazing people that I have worked with during that time.
Twenty-four of those years have been spent working as a CA in Raglan. The challenge throughout has been about adapting to change – technology and legislation being the main drivers of change in our profession, but also we are affected by changes in our environment, the political landscape, our town, and our personal lives.
I will be retiring during November, but I know I am leaving the practice in very good hands. Sue Steedman has been a colleague for more than 20 years, and has been the owner of Bizworx since late 2022. Bizworx continues with a strong, committed team, and I would like to thank each and every employee, contractor, and associate that I have worked with over the years for their dedication and friendship. I would also like to express my gratitude to the community of Raglan for your support over the years.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe
Lynne Wilkins
