Running a business is managing risk. From staff safety, to financial risk, to natural disasters – if you prepare, you put your business in a much better position to survive the unexpected.

Browse this page for our tips, resources, services and training options for managing risk in your business. 

Where to Start

Firstly, which risks are worth addressing, and how do you manage the cost, the paperwork, the frustrating bureaucracy?

To reduce your stress, ensure you are aware of your legal obligations, have identified likely risks and that you have consistent processes and systems in place enabling you to step up to unexpected events. Think about how your business would cope in a disaster, if a customer took you to court, or if one of your staff was less than honest. 

Once you have identified risks, look at what measures you can put in place to manage them. You may even find that the process of managing risk improves how your business operates day-to-day.

Free Resources & Important Links for Managing Risk

• Compliance Matters – A tool with advice regarding a wide range of business compliance
• NZI Small Business Risk Management Guide – A wee bit out of date in places but still very good
• Creative NZ Risk Management Toolkit – Aimed at the arts but useful for any business
• business.govt.nz- Has advice on a variety of topics
• Inland Revenue - Lots of useful tools and information regarding tax
• Accident Compensation Corporation - Information on cover for injury
• Employment New Zealand – Employer resources from MBIE
• Worksafe New Zealand - Health and safety templates
• Worksafe New Zealand - How to manage risks
  
• Employment Agreement Builder – A handy tool to create a legal employment agreement
• Workplace Policy Builder - a free tool to help you develop formal workplace policies
• It's Easy - Get Prepared - A very good business preparedness kit
• Health and Safety Insights - from ACC
• Cybersafety for business - from Netsafe

If you know of other free risk management resources that would be useful to North Canterbury businesses please send us the link for our consideration.

Local Risk Management Services

If you are looking for local risk management services we encourage you to view our list of Business Service Partners. These are businesses that have partnered with Enterprise North Canterbury and offer specific services for managing risk in businesses in North Canterbury.

		Meridian Energy We're committed to the long term future of New Zealand. As well as generating all of our energy from 100% renewable sources like Hydro and Wind, we've got a team of really smart people. We will help you organise your power to make your business more sustainable financially and environmentally. More Info
		Saunders Robinson Brown Saunders Robinson Brown is one of Canterbury's leading law firms, with offices in Christchurch and Rangiora. Risks are just a part of doing business.  Managing those risks is important.  We can help you minimise or manage your legal risks the right way.  Ask us how we can help you. More Info
		Corcoran French You have a small to medium sized business - the backbone of the NZ economy. You face various legal challenges. Because we're in the same boat, we understand. More Info
		North Canterbury Business Services North Canterbury Business Services Ltd is aimed at providing the local help and support you need to succeed; letting you focus on what you do best, supporting your customers with products and services that are your expertise. More Info
		IT Simply The explosion of cloud delivered applications makes it an exciting time for businesses and we enjoy working with our clients to design IT solutions that deliver tangible business outcomes. More Info
Next Level Tradie Specialist business guidance for your trades or construction company:  Are you getting a steady stream of enquiries? Or are you always chasing the next job, or relying on a small number of large customers? Get in touch with Next Level Tradie to find out how to beat the feast or famine cycle with effective marketing online and offline. More Info
		i.t. online i.t.online is dedicated to world class client experience and provides business computer networks, cloud & mobile, business software, cyber security, eCommerce, business phone systems, IT planning and IT projects.  We were founded in North Canterbury in 2010. MORE INFO
		JOYN JOYN is a fully outsourced HR, Recruitment and OHS consultancy, who are thrilled to partner with hundreds of local and national businesses.  MORE INFO
		Coast to Coast Investigations Locally owned and operated by Richard and Robyn Hoekstra, what started as a small family run business is growing into a force to be reckoned with, offering all forms of private investigation. More Info
		ANZ Different businesses have different challenges. Whether you’re a sole trader, start-up, rural business, larger commercial or institutional business our specialists have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your business goals. More Info

To find out about becoming a Business Service Partner please view our Business Services Partners page or contact Miles Dalton.

Risk Management Training

ENC provides popular business training seminars, many of which cover various aspects of risk management. We also have connections with other local and national training providers as well as one-on-one business coaches. 

Your business may also be eligible to subsidy vouchers through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise which may reduce the cost to you of training or coaching by up to 50%. Our NZTE funding page outlines the criteria, and our Business Support team can assess how much assistance you are eligible for..

View our training calendar here >> 

Other Local Risk Management Services

• Waimakariri District Council
• Hurunui District Council
• Environment Canterbury – Regional Council
• Helmore Stewart Lawyers
• Emergency Management Consultancy
• Law4You
• Health and Safety Systems Ltd
• Canterbury Driver Training Ltd
• Shield New Zealand Security Agent Ltd
• EC Credit Control
• Success Factor
• KISS Safety Solutions
• Thexton Consulting South
• Prosper Software
• Southern Rehab
• Advice Kiwi
• Debt Management Options
• Imprint Safety
• North Canterbury Bookkeeping
• Cosgroves Insurance
• AMI Insurance

If you would like your North Canterbury risk management service to be considered for inclusion in the above list please email our Business Support Manager, Miles Dalton.