A million reasons to say thank you

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Today we are super excited to announce that Xero now supports more than one million subscribers across New Zealand and Australia.

If I’m honest, when I heard the news I had to take a step back to reflect. It’s so humbling to consider that one million customers have chosen us to be at the coal face of their business with them.

Those like Hunt and Gather Bee Co. – a small business run by Rory and Hannah O’Brien based in the Waikato. Rory is the beekeeper, Hannah is allergic to bees and their two young children get to see first hand what happens if you follow your passion. I’ve tasted this honey too and it is world class.

Or Table Talk & Mint Cakery, a small business run by two 25 year olds who have gone from one store and two staff, to three stores and 15 staff in only 18 months. It makes me proud when speaking to companies like this who experience such a surge in growth as it reinforces the grit and enthusiasm Kiwi businesses are known for.

Or Driving Miss Daisy, a transportation franchise with a twist. It provides a safe, reliable and personal driving service, with additional support such as accompanying clients to doctors appointments or making sure your children get safely through the school gates if you’re not able to. My family has personally used them when times were tough and it’s a prime example of a company working creatively to solve an issue. ,

The most encouraging thing for New Zealand Inc though? This list goes on and on. It’s no secret that small business owners are incredibly hard working, resilient and spirited (I should know, I married one!) but there is a special admiration I hold for them because every time, without fail, they go all in.

It’s not only about small businesses though, our entire community has contributed to this milestone. Our accountants and bookkeepers who work tirelessly to support these small businesses through the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our partners, many who are small business owners themselves and who are shaping the future of the accounting industry.

Our ecosystem of app partners also play a key role – enabling us together to provide integrated solutions to a wide variety of industry challenges., Without them we would not have been able to scale at the pace we have, meaning we wouldn’t have been able to support as many small businesses as we have.

I’d also like to mention our banking and finance community. There are some exciting and interesting changes in the Kiwi fintech space, and they play a key role in enabling small business to access lending – something that is crucial whether you’re just starting out or you need a boost to keep going,

I am so thankful to all of you for your support.

Looking forward, I see huge potential for NZ Inc. New Zealand and Australia are world leaders in cloud technology usage and that is key to increasing productivity. The small business contribution to GDP currently sits at almost 30 percent, there is no reason this couldn’t be fifty.

It is crucial that we continue to band together though. Just as we need our community, we know our community needs us and together we can make a positive impact for Aotearoa.

Aroha Nui

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