Our Board Chair
When I joined the BDO network in 2007, one of the key attractions was the commitment to delivering personal service at the highest level, that underlies the BDO brand.
It is this direct, one-to-one service up to partner level that defines and differentiates BDO internationally – and even more so in New Zealand, where it is so relevant to our small to medium sized business economy.
As Chairman, I am excited about growing BDO in New Zealand, so that more and more businesses right across the country can benefit from the closer relationships and services that BDO offers.
Since 2007 BDO has grown significantly to a level where we now have 70 partners in 12 locally owned firms servicing regions around the country. During that period of rapid growth we have put a lot of resources into internal development, establishing common systems and standards, and building on our expert knowledge and networks in areas where our skills and service have special value. This recognises the importance of family businesses and their governance and succession issues, Māori business, agribusiness and not-for-profit organisations.
Another key focus I want to see BDO taking over the next 12 months is spreading a message of confidence. Despite the media’s continuing tales of economic doom and gloom, things are actually in pretty good shape. You could say that while the glass may be only half full, the water level is rising.
Our dairy, sheep, beef, wool, forestry and manufacturing sectors are all doing well. While our high dollar is dampening otherwise spectacular export earnings, it does have the positive effect of keeping imported costs down.
Corporate debt levels are relatively low, down to a level where there is capacity to move as opportunities arise. Interest rates are also at low levels, and although banks are still somewhat selective about lending, that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Another positive is that property speculation funded by excessive borrowing from a loose finance sector has all but disappeared. The business environment generally is in better shape than it has been for many years, focused as it should be on production and cash flow rather than speculation on asset prices.
Of course there are difficulties and problems out there, in retail and tourism for example, and not the least being the tragic events that continue to affect Christchurch, our second largest city. And that will certainly continue to have an impact on business activity over the next year or so. But my message is that many areas of the business community are in good shape, some in very good shape – and we should not lose sight of that.
So as I see it, BDO needs to be part of helping businesses to regain confidence – not only in the economy, but in themselves, their ideas and expanding their businesses.
Ultimately, as Chairman my vision is to make BDO’s offering available to more businesses across the country. It is our commitment to serving you, you our clients, at a heartfelt, personal level that means we have more to offer than any other firm.
Colin Christie
BDO New Zealand Chairman
