18
Feature
TUESDAY 16 April 2019
Men in Business
I started my career as an electrician in 1991 with Murray Brown Electrical. After gaining experience in the trade and when Murray decided it was time to retire in 2005, I bought the company and have been running it ever since. We’ve seen many changes over the years, such as deregulation of the industry and the old apprentice scheme is now a shadow of its former self. We all knew this would have a negative impact on the industry, which we are seeing today, with a shortage of people coming through the ranks to meet the ever growing demands. I believe it’s important for a trade-based business to have a constant flow of apprentices and I’ve been involved with well over 30 people becoming trade qualified. Being an employer is very rewarding and I believe it’s very important to look after your employees. As quoted by Richard Branson, "look after the people that look after your people." Buying into the Laser franchise back in 2001 was the best thing for us as a locally owned and operated company. We definitely enjoy the benefits of our wider laser network with continued backup and support.
For over 20 years, Marlborough Tour Company Ltd has been successfully operating in the Marlborough region. “Our company’s combination of accommodation, water transport and tours is designed to make the most of all Marlborough has to offer its growing visitor market,” says General Manager (Sales and Marketing), Scott McKenzie. Scott loves being apart of the Marlborough Scott region and being surrounded by the wineries, the Marlborough Sounds for boating, kayaking and fishing, Kaikoura for diving and native bush, tracks and hunting. Scott also enjoys joining the cruises such as the Greenshell Mussel cruise or Seafood Odyssea cruise and highly recommends the Icons Tour. With Marlborough Tour Company purchasing Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove and more recently, Cougar Line, Scott is kept very busy creating incredible packages for locals and visitors to bask in the glory of the Queen Charlotte Sounds. “Cougar Line has a great reputation and a great team of people, which are all factors that fit very well with Marlborough Tour Company and I love being apart of it.
MARTIN SUMMERSCALES Commercial Property Specialist If you are looking to Buy, Sell or Lease a commercial property give me a call today to discuss your options.
Martin Summerscales
021 030 4974 | martin.summerscales@harcourts.co.nz
Marlborough Real Estate 2008 Ltd. Licensed agent REAA 2008 | 1 Scott Street Blenheim | 03 578 0888
Martin is with team Harcourts Marlborough as a commercial consultant specialising in commercial property, leasing and business sales, along with residential sales. Martin owned and operated his own commercial business in Blenheim for over ten years and has a good understanding of working with people in business Martin Summerscales coupled with strong communication skills and a calm professional manner. A relaxed approach with plenty of smiles and laughter assists in making the process of buying and selling less stressful and as enjoyable as possible. Martin has spent a good part of his life travelling before coming to New Zealand over 16 years ago with his wife and family. Tutoring at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill for a couple of years before heading north and starting up in business in Blenheim. With all his experience and expertise, give him a call for your next commercial and residential requirements.
I grew up in North Otago and I always had a passion for cooking and knew by the age of 12 I wanted to join the army to gain my career as a chef. I joined the army at 20 after a year overseas as an AFS exchange student to Thailand for a year, where I developed an appreciation for fresh Thai cuisine. I have also worked for Goodman Fielder Quality Bakers, Eurest, Bidfood and Mayfield Mike Godsall Motorworld which have all helped to develop my business skills in different ways. I came into CBD Cafe 14 months ago after we expanded it from seating 23 to 67, as well as going to a 7 day a week business. This has helped myself and Tania, being at the helm, to steer the business in the right, successful direction. This was highlighted last year when we won the Wild Tomato Best Cafe for Marlborough 2018, and the Small and Supreme Business Awards 2018. At the cafe we offer a very large range of cabinet food, breakfast menu and blackboard special menu. This changes as seasonal produce becomes available. We also produce our own deli products like chutneys, sauces, toasted muesli and other items.