Buddy scheme proposed to help Christchurch businesses
A Wellington firm has set up a new service to help Christchurch businesses recover from the earthquakes with the help of businesses in other New Zealand centres.
The “Buddy a Business” scheme enables businesses to provide their expertise at a 50 per cent discount to earthquake-affected Christchurch companies and for a “Buddy” to top up the balance, making it free for Christchurch companies.
Chartered accountant Wayne Campbell says the scheme grew from the idea that business owners away from Christchurch want to help but are reluctant to without knowing the recipient.
Mr Campbell, a former Christchurch resident who now lives in Wellington, says several of his clients from outside Canterbury said to him they would like to help but did not want to donate to a fund that may evaporate in administration costs.
Mr Campbell was in Christchurch on Boxing Day, when the large aftershock occurred, and on February 22, when the most devastating earthquake hit the city.
He says it was quickly obvious that businesses would survive only if they receive significant outside assistance.
“I came up with a scheme we’re calling Buddy a Business that enables each ‘buddy’ to be personally connected to a Christchurch business in need,” Mr Campbell says. “The ‘buddy’ agrees to pay part of a business expense, for a set period of time on behalf of the Christchurch business. In each case a supply company will be equally involved, by providing their services at a special discount of up to 50 per cent for the same period. So, the buddy’s contribution plus the supplier’s discount means the beneficiary has its expenses paid while it attempts to re-establish itself.”
Mr Campbell’s firm, Accounts Online, and a web development company, Uprise, are the first two companies to offer their services.
He urges any business owners interested in helping either as a buddy or supplier to register on the website www.buddyabusiness.co.nz .
About Accounts Online
Helping businesses out is not something new to Accounts Online that was established in 2000. Their associates help businesses around New Zealand and Australia simplify their bookkeeping and GST. Typically clients spend around 5 -10 minutes a week doing their bookwork. Where accounting records have been destroyed or are inaccessible Accounts Online’s service plan to help business owners get their accounting records up to date at no cost.
About Uprise
Uprise is a digital solutions and strategy company. They specialize in website marketing and development, social media and results based online advertising. Their goal is to help business owners get their websites and online strategy moving in the right direction.
For further information: Wayne Campbell +64-4-499-9035 or +64-21-660-678 or email wayne.campbell@accountsonline.co.nz
Website: www.accountsonline.co.nz
or Tim Pointer +64-4-889-0998 or +64-27-697-9811 or email tim@uprise.co.nz
Website: www.uprise.co.nz
