Champion Canterbury
17
CHAMPION GLOBAL OPERATOR MEDIUM/LARGE ENTERPRISE
Foot Science International Every day, in countries all around the world, Foot Science International’s products are worn by millions of people to alleviate foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain. In business for 35 years, the Christchurch-based company’s main product range, Formthotics Custom Medical Orthotics, is recognised by medical professionals as a world-leading prefabricated customisable orthotic insole. One of the first ever produced, and arguably one of the best, they help correct any gait or postural dysfunction but are also worn by people seeking additional comfort and support.
Q&A Greg Thompson (General Manager) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Although I have no interest in climbing mountains, Sir Edmund Hillary’s words about not conquering Everest until you get to the top and safely back again have always resonated with me. In 2001, I spent three wonderful hours with him at his home in Auckland, and we shared examples
of the immense satisfaction we get from working as hard as we can to complete a job successfully. I told him that his comments and being able to say “we knocked the bastard off”, inspired me often. He said he regretted the comment, but I’m sure there are many like me for whom it sums up a perfect piece of advice. What is something that motivates you? As a passionate Cantabrian, I love seeing Canterbury businesses successfully competing on the world stage, often heading off larger companies with greater resources and much bigger marketing budgets. At Foot Science International we’ve been a world leading company in our field for more than 30 years. Our products are worn and loved by many millions of people all over the world, we alleviate pain and we help people become healthier every single day. Knowing that is a great motivator to me and our whole team to be the very best we can in every aspect of our business.
CHAMPION CHARITY SMALL ENTERPRISE
Catapult Employment Services Catapult Employment Services assists people with a variety of disabilities and health conditions in finding paid employment. Working in Canterbury for over 12 years, the charity has assisted more than 1200 people into employment. What sets Catapult apart is the extent to which they match the right people with the right job, staying involved as long as they are required. Its candidates have a wide variety of skills, from retail, to security, tutoring, trades and administration. Catapult not only aligns people with employment, it helps the businesses themselves find employees who stay longer, take pride in their work and most importantly, love what they do.
Q&A Ali Brown (CEO) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Never fully believe what others say and don’t take action as the result of second-hand information. Find out the real facts yourself.
How important is it to innovate? It’s essential to innovate. In our business of employment, we need to be innovative in order to keep up with current employment trends and attract new income-generating business. There is a surge of innovation within the whole charity sector that has resulted from there being less philanthropic funding available generally. A number of charities are currently searching for innovative ways to be self-sustainable in order to have less reliance on philanthropic funding. For example, although historically we have provided free services to clients funded through government contracts, grants and donations, we have initiated a feepaying service that aligns with our mission. What is something that motivates you? My motivation is seeing the real change and excitement in people when they achieve their goals. For our clients, it’s getting the opportunity to become part of their community and contribute to it. For staff, it’s seeing them get a real sense of achievement and motivation when they see a successful result for their efforts with clients.