US2U Consulting Lands in Auckland: Tea, Talks & Taking Business to the Next Level!
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- Published: Wednesday, 19 February 2025 15:51
As part of early 2025 Antipodean travels, CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn, visited the British Consulate office in Auckland, New Zealand with Sharron Drew, Director Trade and Investment New Zealand - Trade.
As a proud Kiwi with an extensive international commercial and government work background, Sharron was pleased to discuss her advice for businesses planning to sell to the New Zealand market:
1. As with most business development, taking time to invest in building proper, genuine business relationships is important. It can take time to build up trust so that potential customers feel they can trust you, your good and services.
2. When building relationships, it is important emphasise the shared values that you have in common. Prospective exporters should reference their organisation’s values; why these are important; and find common ground with their potential new customer.
3. Generally speaking, people in New Zealand genuinely care about their environment - the beautiful countryside, preserving it and keeping it clean. Therefore it is helpful to emphasise environmentally-friendly values and deliverables when building relationships.
4. Rather than focusing on British expertise, it can be more helpful to focus on relevant global experience of supplying goods and services; use these key messages verbally and on marketing assets to explain the proposition and differentia in the market place.
5. Always emphasise the value that your capability can bring; often there are opportunities for British businesses to be more direct and clearer about the added value their business can bring to New Zealand.
6. Fintech, Agritech and renewable energy solutions are all priority areas for New Zealand.
7. It is often helpful to recruit a local partner to help with the tendering process for key projects. The local Trade and Investment Team can assist with finding suitable connections.
8. Being aware of New Zealand cultural and market differences from the UK (and even Australia) will be very well received. Visit the market and invest time in getting to know the unique dynamics.
9. Be aware of localisation within New Zealand; for instance, the needs in Christchurch on the South Island may be very different from those in Auckland on the North Island.
10. Generally speaking, people are very helpful and friendly and will take time out to have a coffee, listen to your proposition and try and help you with your business development ideas.
Rachel said, "As an Export Champion I have learnt so much about New Zealand in the last couple of weeks travelling through the Sounds and visiting destinations on both islands including Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Picton and Tauranga on Waitangi Day. Prior to the trip I didn't realise that documents, business cards, signs and announcements are made in Māori as well as English - this is a key consideration for businesses planning to export to the region."
Thank you to Kate Pinkerton, International Trade Advisor, Department for Business and Trade for Southern England, for arranging the meeting.
For businesses considering exporting their products or services for the first time, the UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, is a great starting place. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.
Please contact Rachel to discuss your international busines development strategies in more detail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
