New Plymouth small business set up for success

A local New Plymouth business has been set up for success after MYOB pitched in with a physical and digital makeover.

The Manifold co-working space took out the inaugural MYOB SME makeover, which included a physical transformation of its office space and an upgrade to the latest business management systems.

Manifold is more than just an office space for remote and independent workers, the owners are dedicated to helping small businesses and start-ups succeed.

“Manifold is an amazing business that’s helping many other local businesses to succeed. That’s why we’re proud to help it with a makeover,” said MYOB Head of SME Ingrid Cronin-Knight.

“Manifold have created an innovative and collaborative space within the community that the Taranaki business community can be proud of. We’re proud to stand beside them.”

The centrepiece of the makeover was the installation of a mobile meeting room that will allow the businesses using the Manifold space to have a private space to do business.

MYOB also gave Manifold a digital makeover, giving the business the latest MYOB cloud-based accountancy systems to help it do business.

Manifold’s Graham Nelson said he and co-owner Jacqueline Elley were thrilled with the makeover.

“We are incredibly excited with the new office space. Our vision for Manifold is to create an inspiring work environment where professionals can grow their business and thrive in a supportive community,” he said.

“Manifold is an amazing space and our start-up business customers are seeing some great results from being there.

“However, there is so much more we could do to make it really hum. That’s why receiving an investment like this means a great deal.”

To coincide with the makeover, MYOB has released results of its Business Monitor survey of local businesses which shows that small business in Taranaki has been doing it tough — but they feel optimistic about the future.

20 percent of local SME business operators reported an increase in revenue in the last 12 months, while 37 percent have seen their income decline.

The good news is the future is looking brighter as 42 percent of SMEs in Taranaki believe their revenue will improve during the over the next year while just 4 percent expect it to decline.

“It’s great to see local businesses are more optimistic about the year ahead. We know things have been tough recently, but you can sense things are improving,” said Cronin-Knight.

“MYOB has been helping Taranaki small businesses to succeed for more than 25 years and we’re committed to helping to helping the next generation of small businesses achieve their goals and aspirations.”

This article was originally published on 27 October 2016. It has been updated to include video footage.