The challenge for a water and carbon constrained future is to develop policy and a business attitude that says if you have more of one you have more of the other -Coiln James
Archive for Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
by symond on September 29, 2010 at 2:43 pm · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects, Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
Yesterday I got to go see an amazing company called Aviat Networks.
Aviat are a multi national organisation that specialise in wireless network solutions. Predominantly a US firm, they have offices all over the world, and just happen to have a site in Wingate. The big question is, why in Wingate? The answer, the Wingate office -formally another business taken over by their parent, has been found to have that great kiwi “can do” attitude, a reputation that has kept them based in NZ.
The CEO of Aviat recently decided to install state of the art video conferencing facilities. Being an environmentalist, I am hoping it was to cut down on CO2 emission from air travel… but I think their descision came from the fact they spent $13 million a year in air travel and wasted a lot of time travelling.
The system they installed is state of the art and cost over a million dollars, but the payback took less then 4 months. That right! they have reduced their air travel by almost 40%. But more importantly, they are now able to meet with multiple offices simultaneously on a daily basis. It has them working more as a team rather then in individual silos.
The system they have installed is of a quality that we have only before seen in science fiction movies. You can now see whether you are boring someone to tears by their facial expressions. The sound quality is crystal clear and doesn’t seem to have the same de-sync problem that most video conferencing systems suffer from.
There were, however, some hurdles in getting the system up and running. One of their biggest problems was the system needed a lot of broadband, well above what Telecom could offer. Luckily one of Aviat’s bright sparks realised that they specialise in wireless signals and Avalon tower is not that far away. A lease agreement and a couple of small antennas and the highspeed broadband problem is solved. A great example of that kiwi “can do” attitude”.
http://www.aviatnetworks.com/
by Nicholas Lucas on September 24, 2010 at 2:06 pm · Filed under Fantastic Websites and web tricks used by local businesses, Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
My little brainstorm this morning was to show off some examples of really clever websites and tricks used by local businesses. I knew Pip and Jacqui at Oyster would be an easy bet first up!
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Why I like it?
It tells a story, making what you offer unique. This site comes across in a genuine and personal way, it shares a little bit about Pip and Jacqui and their philosopy and is authentic – just like their products.
Beek! -I’d never heard of this one before but there are quite a few of these panoramic viewer tools around, you might be more familiar with them being used in real estate. It seems to be a really quick and easy way to navigate around the shop and to make your site more interactive.
Online shopping -Pip and Jacqui have given online shopping a go – and you have got to be in to win! They have quite a basic approach and are not using any specialist software – but it is very well explained and to be honest looks like it could be less hassle than some of the forms you sometimes have to trawl through.
Finally they used a local company! Bluebubble Design. I would have missed it had I not been trying to work out what Beek was. From what I can gather Bluebubble is owned by local Petone web developer and artist Aime McCarron.
Well done guys.
by symond on September 20, 2010 at 11:29 am · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects, Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
Last week I had the opportunity to visit a manufacturing company in Seaview called Metal Art. Metal Art is a family run business that specialises in creating a range of metal goods, from street furinture to the signage at Westpac Stadium.
In an effort to close the recycling loop Metal Art has been combining traditional metal work with recycled milk cartons to make unique street furniture. The combination of metal and plastic gives the furniture strength as well as reduces the overall “bulky” appearance.
http://www.metalart.co.nz/
by Nicholas Lucas on August 26, 2010 at 3:31 pm · Filed under Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
I discovered a small audio and hifi business on High Street yesterday called W T Audio. They don’t have a website -you will just have to go and visit them to see what a nifty wee offering they have. I found them in the yellow pages and gave them a ring for some advice on all weather speaker systems.
After a short conversation I popped down to see them and discuss options. These guys tend to be more focused on domestic hifi equipment -not really the same thing as what my enquiry was about but, regardless of the mismatch, I was blown away by their willingness to help, their frank advice and eagerness to put me in touch with several people with whom I could take the conversation further. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking at home or office/ shop stereo options. Click here for details.