Business leaders from around the region will meet in Hamilton this month to hear from a who’s who of business about the trends and insights impacting on business and the economy in New Zealand.

The Waikato Business Summit 2019, on Wednesday February 27, is a collaboration between PKF accountants and business advisors, ANZ, Chartered Accountants NZ, and Xero. The event will be held at the Hamilton Gardens and makes use of the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival infrastructure; the summit will be held in the Pacific Crystal Palace on the Governor’s Lawn.

It will see key industry figures speak about changing times in business such as changes in central Government, local Government, the economy and business practices.

PKF Hamilton managing director Bernard Lamusse said it was important for business people to hear outstanding speakers and to spend time networking with each other to rejuvenate their businesses.

“We have a fantastic line-up of speakers who will offer valuable insight into our local and global economies and will contribute to discussions about key issues facing our region in terms of business growth,” said Lamusse.

The first Waikato Business Summit was held in 2017 with the aim of providing local entrepreneurs and business people an opportunity to connect, learn and grow.

Local and regional business communities return year on year to discuss the year ahead with recognised local and national business leadersand key influencers.

Minister of Finance Grant Robertson will talk about what the defining business trends will be that shape New Zealand through until 2023 and how the business decisions of last year influence the landscape of the next four years.

Michael Bassett-Foss, chief executive of Te Waka Waikato’s regional economic development agency, will talk about the agency’s view of the future of business in the region.

ANZ economist Sharon Zollner will provide an update on what to expect in 2019 and how economic trends can be strategically applied to future business planning, today.

A panel discussion will round out the afternoon. Moderated by Rocketship CEO Greg Sheehan, the panel will discuss how today’s business succeeds tomorrow.

The panellists are: Good George managing director Darrel Hadley, Momentum Waikato CEO Kelvyn Eglinton, entrepreneur Elliot Jessep, and Seed Waikato co-founder and chair Gemma Major.

The afternoon ends with drinks, nibbles and light entertainment from 5-6pm.

Tickets are $150. To register go to businesssummit.co.nz