Small Business Advisory Group
Purpose
To give SMEs a greater "voice" in policy development and to advise Ministers of issues facing SMEs.
The Advisory Group provide a means for departments and the government to take more fully into account the interests of SMEs in policy initiatives and provide a deeper understanding of how government can work most effectively with SMEs. The Advisory Group also provide a means for dialogue with SMEs that goes beyond individual and immediate issues.
Functions
- To provide ongoing advice to the Ministerial Group on Small Business on any issues affecting SMEs:
- Identifying issues impacting the growth and development of SMEs
- Suggesting priorities
- Exploring solutions
- To provide assistance and advice to government departments on consultation with SMEs
- To provide, for discussion with government agencies, suggestions on ways for enhancing SME and government agency performance.
Means
- Conduit - the Advisory Group seek input from SMEs utilising existing stakeholder groups and their own networks. They also provide feedback on government initiatives to these same groups.
- Analysis - the Advisory Group use their business expertise to analyse the impacts of proposals on small business and assist the government to identify areas where further work should be undertaken. They work with relevant government departments on the issues being investigated.
- Advocacy - the Advisory Group advise the government on any matters affecting SMEs.
- Sounding Board - the Advisory Group may provide advice on policy issues as they develop.
Membership
- Peter Kitchen, Kaitaia, tourism sector, SME owner, Māori
- Nigel McKinlay, Dunedin, footwear manufacturer, business owner
- Alison Quesnel, Auckland, country manager health products firm, business mentor, SME owner
- Lachlan McKenzie, Rotorua, farming, SME owner
- Denise L'Estrange-Corbet, Auckland, fashion design and retail, SME owner
- Murray Cleverley, Timaru, CEO Economic Development Agency, meat processing, SME owner
- Cameron Moore, Christchurch, manufacturing, SME owner
- Stuart Wilson, Wellington, information technology, SME owner
- Robyn Reid, Nelson, aviation, SME owner
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