Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Back when I was CEO of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, I recall advocating for business-friendly councils to remove barriers for business growth and economic prosperity.

Since then a lot has changed and councils have made positive steps to improve how they interact with businesses. But if you talk to business people, they'll still have examples of how they perceive local and central government are making things tough for them.

Recently, ‘Business Friendly Guidelines' were released by Local Government New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to increase support of business activity throughout New Zealand.

The guidelines identify six factors which contribute to business-friendly cities: strong leadership, partnership and facilitation; spatial planning and infrastructure investment; a quality, consistent and fair regulatory environment; adequate delivery of critical services; effective industry and business development; and suitable provision of community amenities and services.

The guidelines also identify six key principles which help reduce regulatory and non-regulatory barriers, and costs, risks and uncertainties to stimulate and support local business growth, local business retention and the attraction of new business to a local area. The six key principles are:

• Build excellent relationships and partnerships – at the heart of a business-friendly council
• Context matters – identify local challenges and local business needs
• Provide certainty and clarity for business decision-making
• Make every interaction with business count
• Be proactive and look for opportunities to support businesses
• Respond rapidly and flexibly to business after major emergencies

Most councils are taking steps to deliver on some, or all of the above – but the guideline suggests a co-ordinated, efficient and systematic approach to becoming business-friendly can be achieved. They suggest undertaking a business-friendly council analysis; identifying and analysing opportunities for becoming a more business-friendly council; embedding business-friendly practices in all council activity; and supporting development of a business-friendly culture within the council organisation.

The principles are the same for having a wider customer and community-focused council. Efficiency and effectiveness must be accompanied by a strong customer service ethic, and it should be only a small step to extend this to a business-friendly approach.

If you have any views on this, or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150. Or you can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz