February has been a busy month for Switch Business, which featured in three articles,  each one focusing on harnessing opportunity.

First, Switch Business is pleased to announce that all-American burger chain Johnny Rockets plans to enter the New Zealand market with the help of Switch founders David Newport and Paul Devcich.

The introduction of the iconic brand to the South Pacific provides a plum opportunity for would-be buyers to purchase their own business and possess a slice of feel-good Americana.

Featured in Business to Business (12 February), the Switch team discusses the area development projection of 10 Johnny Rockets restaurants to be established around the country over the next decade.

Second, David discusses business sale strategy with Gill South in the My Generation pullout.  Serving up food for thought, Newport provides his perspective on selling now, how to prepare and who to target, revealing a market you might not have considered. 

And finally, David’s New Zealand Herald opinion piece on baby boomers as new-age business owners was published on 15 February. He discusses the burgeoning business desire among baby boomers as they approach ‘official’ retirement age and discover their inner entrepreneur.

Switch Business has also gained recent coverage in the NZ Retail magazine, March 2010 which mentions the expansion of the classic burger chain Johnny Rockets to NZ.

Dr Frances Pitsilis is no stranger to stress and the challenge of work-life balance.  A highly qualified and practicing professional in this area, Pitsilis is not only an expert but a voice of experience, having twice recovered from burnout caused by stress.

In the 22 January National Business Review, Dr Pitsilis reviews the average workaholic’s lunch habits, and notes that the majority of people aren’t doing themselves any favours by eating lunch at the desk.

She says New Zealanders are almost as bad as the Japanese for staying glued to our desks; we rate second in the Western world for the longest hours worked (International Labour Organization, 2004), and it doesn’t stop there – our bad habits can compound the negative effects of overwork.

However, Dr Pitsilis encourages Kiwi workers to start the New Year with a few good habits and easy tips for staying stress-free in the workplace.

In a recent btobonline.co.nz article, Dr Pitsilis discusses the importance of understanding where stress comes from and how it can be managed, and identifies the need to manage stress in the workplace, from the recruitment stage forward.

“Whether you are the employer or the worker, keeping stress at work down really pays dividends for all concerned.  The first place to start in avoiding stress at work, for both employer and employee, is at recruitment.” Dr Frances Pitsilis, btob.co.nz

Dr Pitsilis’ keen interest in communications and professional speaking has secured her roles as the Easy Mix Radio Doctor, New Zealand Herald medical blog writer, TVNZ Breakfast health expert and opinion commentator.

She operates her own general practice on Auckland’s North Shore, and holds qualifications in nutritional medicine, obstetrics, and preventative and regenerative medicine. She also practices cosmetic and appearance medicine.

David Newport and his business partner, Paul Devcich of Switch Business have been known to roll up their sleaves for clients and help them get their business structured correctly before they put it on the market.

David has been published regularly in the New Zealand Herald and other media and in this recent article gives some pointers to business owners about what to look out for around your working capital requirements. This is especially relevant as we enter 2010  and companies look to adjust their strategy.

David also wrote an article for Business to Business : Is it your New Years Resolution to Buy a business? where he presents seven factors to consider before doing so. Worth a read.

Jonelle Phillips from Smartbox is featured in the cover story of the September NZ Business Magazine

Jonelle & Steve Phillips were interviewed by Business to Business recently. The level of enthusiasm and optimism of the couple has to be seen to be believed. Working diligently to achieve their goals, nothing seems to hinder their determination to succeed.

Jonelle was also profiled as a cover story on the September NZ Business Magazine, in an interview where she talks about how she escaped corporate life and got in touch with her “inner entrepreneur.”

Steve and Jonelle Phillips started the Smartbox venture in 2006, after spending about 18 months working hard on developing the concept more…

See Jonelle Phillips chat with Corin Dann on NZI Business TV about the novel storage service that takes the hassle out of moving.