Tuakau business owner wins Council business promotion

Tuakau business owner Baron Collocott is ‘in shock’ that he has won an iPad Pro package valued at over $1900 in a business promotion by the Waikato District Council’s economic development team, Open Waikato.

Mr Collocott took advantage of a free business advisory service at the Council’s Tuakau office during an opening promotion for the service which ran from 1 September to 31 October.  The new service was established in partnership with Waikato Innovation Park, and offers support for start-ups plus advice on business expansion, export market development, business mentoring, research and development funding and product development.

The Council’s Economic Development Manager, Clive Morgan, says, “The Waikato Innovation Park business growth service is aimed at helping small to medium business owners take their businesses to the next level through various business support programmes.

“We’re very happy that the iPad Pro package has gone to a start-up business owner to help him on his business development journey.”

Mr Collocott says, “I chose to use the Tuakau service because as a small business owner striving to get ahead it helps to receive advice from those who have gone before you. I approached Open Waikato and met with Waikato Innovation Park business growth advisor Peter Davey who explained how they could assist with mentoring, business capacity planning and possible funding options.”

“I think it’s important to know that the resources are available. When you’re a small business owner, you have to be motivated to seize the opportunities.”

Mr Collocott’s business, Unseen Perspective (www.unseenperspective.co.nz), specialises in aerial drone video and photography, including wildlife and scenic photography, and real estate and commercial projects. The company is licensed to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and “Wings” qualified through Model Flying New Zealand (MFNZ).

To date 11 businesses have taken advantage of the new service at the Council’s Tuakau office, and six of these are proceeding with specific support programmes.
New appointments can be made by visiting the Council’s Tuakau office at 2 Dominion Rd during office hours, by emailing info@openwaikato.co.nz, or by calling Open Waikato’s freephone 0800 252 626.

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Photo: Waikato District Council’s Economic Development Manager Clive Morgan (left) congratulates Tuakau businessman Baron Collocott, while Waikato Innovation Park’s Peter Davey (right) looks on.