BUSINESS CANTERBURY AND CANTERBURY RUGBY LEAGUE FORGE NEW TERRITORY
Canterbury Rugby League’s partnership with Business Canterbury, initially forged in 2024, represents a step forward that promises to provide significant value for our stakeholders, sponsors and the wider rugby league community.
Business Canterbury (formerly The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce) is a member-based organisation with the purpose of enabling and supporting a thriving business community across Canterbury. It offers members easy-to-access business services, including business growth and strategy support and mentoring, and HR and employment law advice and support.
“Business Canterbury has been the home and voice of business in Canterbury since 1859,” Business Canterbury chief executive Leeann Watson says.
“Representing more than 2,600 businesses, we are the largest business support agency in the South Island and provide our members with the connections, resources and advice they need to thrive.
“While most of our members are businesses, we also represent and support a significant number of not-for-profits, associations and clubs – like the Canterbury Rugby League – who benefit from our services.”
Utilising Business Canterbury’s unrivalled expertise in the corporate sector aligns with Canterbury Rugby League’s Strategic Plan and long-range vision for the game locally, its clubs and participants.
Canterbury Rugby League CEO Malcolm Humm emphasises that the fledgling relationship is already bearing fruit – but it is only the start of a what is viewed as an enduring affiliation.
“The partnership agreement with Business Canterbury is new territory for us and very exciting,” Humm says.
“CRL recognises that although we are a sporting agency that is an incorporated society, we are in a competitive market that needs to operate as a viable and sustainable business.
“The purpose of forming this partnership with Business Canterbury from CRL’s perspective is multi-faceted. Firstly, we view this as a great opportunity to learn and leverage off Business Canterbury’s knowledge and networks; meanwhile, we also get to engage and build relationships with the wider Canterbury business sector.
“Although the partnership is relatively new, we are already seeing the benefits of this partnership and view this as the start of a long-term collaboration.”
Watson elaborated on the specific ways Business Canterbury, located on Kilmore Street in Christchurch Central, can assist CRL – and explained that its reach and influence extends beyond our region’s boundaries.
“Through membership, organisations like the Canterbury Rugby League can access human resources support, get staff and members along to our comprehensive training and development programs, and attend events that range from our regular ‘Connect after 5’ networking to lunch with the Prime Minister and Reserve Bank Governor,” Watson says.
“Business Canterbury also has a strong advocacy function, raising concerns and opportunities of organisations in the region with decision-makers both locally and in Wellington.”
CLICK HERE to contact Business Canterbury and discover how they can support your business or organisation.
