Media Release: Still time to sign up for free business continuity workshops in Westport
Spaces still remain for businesses in and around Westport to attend free workshops on how to bounce back better from major floods and other emergencies.
The free workshops are being offered as part of the Resilient Westport Business Resilience & Continuity Campaign targeting local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs.
Manager West Coast Emergency Management Claire Brown says the sessions will help business owners ensure they understand the risks, their particular vulnerabilities, and have plans or resources in place to help them get through in the event of an emergency.
“We have a session during the day on Tuesday 25 November and another at 5pm the following day to give people a couple of options to choose from. The response so far has been great with over 20 businesses already registered. The workshops are a great way to get together with other people who are trading or operating in the same economic and social environment – and facing similar challenges. These workshops are being delivered by people with specific expertise and are designed for businesses and organisations of any size. The workshops will provide practical and actionable solutions to help in the face of any disruption,” says Ms Brown.
“We have a session during the day on Tuesday 25 November and another at 5pm the following day to give busy people a couple of options to choose from. The response so far has been great with over 20 businesses already registered. The workshops are a great way to get together with other people who are trading or operating in the same economic and social environment – and facing similar challenges. These workshops are being delivered by people with specific expertise and are designed for businesses and organisations of any size. The workshops will provide practical and actionable solutions to help in the face of any disruption,” says Ms Brown.
The workshops are being held at EPIC, Westport (10a Lyndhurst Street) on:
· Tuesday, 25th November 2025 (12-2pm)
· Wednesday, 26th November 2025 (5-7pm)
Both workshops are free and will cover the same content.
To register, people can email cameron.eade@resorgs.org.nz or click on this link [for online publications].
In addition to the workshops, one on one coaching is also available on request. For those who can’t attend the workshops next week or want more personalised support, free individual coaching sessions will be available. These can be scheduled either in-person (between Tuesday 25th November and Thursday 27th November), or at another time online.
Claire Brown says another important topic that will also be up for discussion at the workshops is the establishment of strong business networks and a business association for Westport and surrounds that supports resilience and, potentially, the wider interests of the business community.
“The work we’ve been doing to promote these workshops and the previous launch event have highlighted for us the need for such business networks in Westport. This is not just something that helps businesses collaborate, grow and support each other, but it is something that is invaluable in emergency situations.
“The workshops will help to kickstart a conversation about establishing a new Business and Landowners Association which could also serve as an independent and collective voice for business and property owners, connecting people, resources, and opportunities. It will be a chance to gauge support for the concept and share ideas about how this could be progressed. We already know of at least 50 businesses that are keen to get involved.
“There are emergency preparedness, response and recovery benefits from an active business association with a focus on resilience networks. Therefore, consideration is being given to applying some Resilient Westport funding beyond the workshops to encourage and support the locals who are willing to get stuck in and progress the idea,” says Ms Brown.
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For further information please contact:
Resilient Westport Communications team
Background:
www.resilientwestport.co.nz/news/media-release-business-continuity-campaign