Mark Lowndes Appeared on NZI Business TV on the morning of the debate with Corin Dann to headline why this debate is necessary now. The issues were also discussed in an article in the Sunday Star-Times headlined “Economic Union Aust-NZ unification slammed by Oram.” written by Lois Cairns

The debate was held between 7.30am – 9.30am, Wednesday 3 November 2010, Stamford Plaza, Auckland

Lowndes Associates and Unlimited magazine were pleased to host the fourth and final 2010 Business Intelligence breakfast workshop series. Now in their eighth year, these superior content-rich workshops are for busy executives, owners, directors, managers, advisers and corporate counsel.

Is it time to join forces with Australia? Many think so, many oppose the idea vehemently. What is the best answer for NZ business? The debate actually ended up persuading many in the room that it’s probably best to gradually do more effective business with our neighbours, but remain sovereign as New Zealand has more potential being in control of their own future. Time will tell.

As the Australian and New Zealand governments work to decrease the barriers between the two nations, Kiwi support for a Trans-Tasman merger is rising:

• Will a Trans-Tasman economic union boost the NZ economy?
• Will being part of a bigger market create more jobs and give better access to opportunities for careers and education?
• Will there be a level playing field for Kiwi businesses in Australia?

…read more about the workshops

Four outstanding speakers debated this important topic, two arguing for a union, and two arguing against:

Rod McGeochCo-Chair, Australia & New Zealand Leadership Council
Andrew Main Business Editor,The Australian
Rod Oram International Business Writer, former editor of Business Herald
Mark Weldon Chief Executive, NZX

Lowndes Associates and Unlimited magazine are pleased to host the 2010 Business Intelligence breakfast workshop series.  Now in their eighth year, these superior content-rich workshops are for busy executives, owners, directors, managers, advisers and corporate counsel.

You are invited to attend the up coming workshop Leadership and Top Performance in the New Environment, on Wednesday 29 September at the Stamford Plaza, Auckland, 7.30am – 9.30am.

Hear from three outstanding chief executives: How to build and lead a high performance team in the new environment. How to engage and train talent. The role of values and how they have changed.

Click here to find out more about the Business Intelligence seminars and how to register for workshops.

Mark Lowndes, of Lowndes Associates talks about this subject on www.unlimited.co.nz. He recently chaired his firm’s Business Intelligence Series workshop for more than 90 senior businesspeople on the topic of clean technology, or cleantech, and its progress in New Zealand and globally. As a result, he shares some insights on how New Zealand is poised to take advantage of what might be called the ‘cleantech revolution’

Click the link to find the whole article on the Unlimited website.

Lowndes Associates and Unlimited magazine are pleased to invite you to the 2010 Business Intelligence breakfast workshop series. Now in their eighth year, these superior content-rich workshops are for busy executives, owners, directors, managers, advisers and corporate counsel.

Learn more about:
Concept — the key initial questions: Will it work? Does the market want it? Will customers buy it?
People — how to find, motivate, reward and keep the people you need. Finding the right mix of skills.
Funding — once the seed capital has been spent, where do you find the development capital and funding for the longer term?
Development — getting to market without running out of money in the process.
Growth — when to bring in new talent and experience. Must the founding group stay in control?
Governance — getting the right balance of skills and experience on the board. Key issues for the directors and senior management.
Exit strategy — developing and executing a successful sale/divestment process.

Workshop two: Flying Kiwis: Startup to success — overcoming startup problems, is on 25 Wednesday August, 2010 from 7.30 – 9.30am at Auckland’s, Stamford Plaza.

For More information:

Click on to Unlimited.co.nz or at the Lowndes Associates Business Intelligence website

Mike Taylor Managing Director of Pie Funds continues to turn heads in the world of funds management.  This month he features in Unlimited magazine in an interview by Nicola Kean. 

The Upstart discusses the humbling beginnings of Pie Funds and the idea that lead him to start it all; a vision to manage money for family and friends. 

With the support of a few key mentors Taylor has grown Pie Funds two fold and manages a $7 million investment fund. To date,  the fund has returned an impressive 105% over the past year and has seen the number of investors double in the same time.

Click here to read the full interview and find out how close Pie Funds came to closing.

Mike Taylor also appeared on NZI Business speaking to Corin Dann about the Foreign Debt issue, click here to see the video.

Switch Business broker Paul Devcich says ”now’s a good time to sell”.  Unlimited Magazine’s Matt Philp learns more about selling your business and pricing right with Switch Business brokers Devcich and Paul Newport.