A Waikato construction company has won one of four major national prizes in Xero’s inaugural Beautiful Business Fund and will be using its $20,000 prize money to train staff for an earthquake strengthening project next year
Xero, the global small business platform has awarded four New Zealand small businesses and non-profits a share of the $750,000 global prize pool as part of the inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund.
Launched earlier this year, the Xero Beautiful Business Fund seeks to help Xero’s small business customers boost their growth plans and drive future success. More than 5,500 applications were received from Xero customers across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Four New Zealand winners were recognised for best demonstrating in a 90 second video, how they would use the funding to support their future business goals in one of four categories – Innovating for sustainability, Strengthening community connection, Trailblazing with technology and Upskilling for the future.
Winning the latter category was Waikato-based construction company, Intricate Developments, which not only serves the local building industry, but also also builds futures for rangitahi who may be under-privileged with a unique opportunity for employment and upskilling.
“We believe in the power of education and the opportunities it creates,” HR and recruitment manager Anna Saxton says.
“We not only help our next generation develop construction skills, we also help them learn the financial aspects and commitment of upholding a job, with mental health and wellbeing at the core.”
The business plans to put its win from the Xero Beautiful Business Fund towards further education for rangitahi on new earthquake strengthening systems ahead of their first earthquake strengthening project in 2024, requiring extensive training including health and safety, working from heights and using earthquake strengthening products.
