About BusinessLAB

BusinessLAB was established in 2000. The firm's underlying ethos is "helping people work better together". We achieve this through involving teams and groups in enjoyable and creative strategic planning exercises that set smart goals for an organisation's future. As a core part of its work, BusinessLAB provides specialist services in assisting organisations to understand and embed sustainable practices through a strategic approach to change.

BusinessLAB's unique interactive and inclusive planning processes are backed-up by practical and simple planning documents. Together with ongoing support, the BusinessLAB approach ensures that plans are implemented to bring about positive change through developing a team culture and real enthusiasm to create the future.

A growing number of our clients are organisations that understand the need to integrate sustainability as a priority in planning for the future. These organisations understand the benefits of involving their people in the strategic planning process, and business owners who understand on growing their business.

The team

Colin Bass: Director

Colin has worked both in self-employment and for large corporate organisations within New Zealand and internationally. Colin worked in Central Europe for five years. He initially held a management role with the Finnish paper manufacturer UPM/Kymene and then went on to create a successful advertising agency representing the Economist Group among other international brands in Central Europe.

On returning to New Zealand, Colin worked for New Zealand Post.  His time with that organisation enabled him to further develop the skills in the fields of strategic planning and project management. Colin's desire to return to self employment was driven by the realisation that traditional text book approaches to strategic planning were out-dated.  As a result, in 2000 he founded BusinessLAB as a consultancy business with the vision of creating a simplified and more accessible approach to planning that could benefit all types of organisations.

Colin is an accredited consultant with the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants of New Zealand

Email: colin@businesslab.co.nz

Simon Harvey : Director

Following a 10 year career as a barrister, Simon has carved out a niche for himself as a successful corporate strategist. Simon specialises in helping organisations to capture the opportunities presented by sustainability and corporate responsibility through developing competitive advantage and building organisational resilience. Amongst others, Simon has assisted companies like Les Mills and Sarah Trotman & Associates to integrate sustainable practices and corporate responsibility into their businesses. Simon has also recently worked with Hastings District Council to develop a comprehensive strategic framework and decision-making tools that will ensure the council works proactively towards creating a sustainable future for Hastings.

Simon is accredited as an advisor for The Natural Step in New Zealand which provides an internationally recognised strategic planning framework to help organisations progress towards sustainability through a robust strategic approach.

Email: simon@businesslab.co.nz

Stephanie Wilkins

Stephanie joined the BusinessLAB team in June 2008 as Programme Manager of Collective Strategic Planning. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the fields of business development, marketing and communications.

Steph started her career in London at EMAP Publishing. Her role in Business Development focused on fostering strong relationships with key construction firms in the UK and parts of Europe. She then moved with her manager to PIMS UK, a PR support firm, as an account manager in the financial sector. Her biggest achievement was winning new business with Abbey National – one of the UK’s largest banks.

After 5 years in London, Steph returned to New Zealand and took a position with TVNZ as a Licensing Manager to look after the consumer product programmes in New Zealand on behalf of Nickelodeon, BBC and 20th Century Fox. Her role focused on relationships with overseas principals, internal departments within TVNZ, and NZ licensee’s and retailers. Brands that Steph managed included SpongeBob Squarepants, The Simpsons and Blue’s Clues.

After 6 months of extensive travel throughout Mongolia, Russia, “the Stans” and India, Steph is making a significant mark in her role as Programme Manager for Collective Strategic Planning at BusinessLAB.

Email: stephanie@businesslab.co.nz