Platform 1

Wanted - Business Partner

This award winning Auckland based data management and cloud services business is looking for a Business Partner .

An exceptional level of recurring revenue underpins this business and it's growing. It's also very scalable.

They have a wide range of clients from government entities ,industry and commerce, professional services and also smaller businesses.

If you are excited about an opportunity to work in this business and help the current Director grow it further, contact Platform 1 .

A fantastic new opportunity exists to lead a team in an engineering-led construction related manufacturing business on Auckland's North Shore.

This role starts off as General Manager with the opportunity to buy in gradually to exit the current owner.

Find out more here and experience the Platform 1 process.You must have a desire for "skin in the game".

https://www.platform1.co.nz/opportunities/opportunities/engineering-led-construction-auckland/

Business Exit And The Waiting Trap

Most business owners aren’t stuck. They’re waiting.

Waiting for:
-the economy to improve
-interest rates to fall
-one more good year
-“the right time” to make a move

The problem?

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.

What does happen quietly is:
-energy fades
-options narrow
-leverage shifts away from the owner

Momentum rarely comes from perfect conditions.
It comes from deciding to move while you still have choices.

Sometimes the smartest step isn’t a confirmed exit plan.

It’s simply getting started and reviewing your options.

The future favours owners who plan early for their exit, not those who wait perfectly.

Exiting your business is emotional because it’s not a transaction, it’s a transition.

The emotional side to an exit can often be the reason for delaying the process as you come to terms with the upcoming change you are not sure you are ready for.

The fact you will exit your business at some stage however is inevitable.

How can you lessen the impact?

Read my latest article below in NZ Manufacturer.

The emotional reality of a business exit - NZ Manufacturer Mike Warmington, Director, Platform 1 Letting go of your business is often like letting go a piece of yourself. It’s been your life and you have been the business. Your identity is wrapped up in, and your confidence and self-worth are linked to its success. Staff feel like family and have shared t...

In NZ business culture direct rejection is often avoided – It’s polite deflection over direct refusal and keeps things friendly.

Maybe - I will think about it …

Call me in another year.

Can you send me an email first.

The timing is not right.

As a business owner doing business with other business owners, I hear comments like this regularly.

In NZ “maybe” normally means no whereas in American it signals legitimate interest and “no” definitely means no. Clarity is seen as respectful of time and not rude.

If we treat every “maybe” as genuine interest in NZ, there will be a lot of time spent following ghosts. You need to earn the no by clarifying the intent and seeking explicit next steps.

Is it because we are a small country and value harmony, politeness and leaving doors open?

Would you prefer more clarity and a cleaner rejection?

I’m interested in people’s comments including how you deal with this cultural norm in NZ?

Finding a Business Partner is like Executive Search on steroids.

Its an even bigger more complex decision that requires a focused effort.

Much of this is unseen but involves real time, skill and effort.

You could try the DIY approach but what will you stop doing in your business, and do you have the tools to do it ?

An existing existing database of likely people ?

Specialist software to manage the process ?

The training and skills to identify the right entrepreneurial person ?

A brand and reputation ?

Anyone can post a job but finding the right leader means going where they aren't looking.

Jack Reacher has an Exit Strategy - do you ?

The latest aptly named Jack Reacher book by Lee and Andrew Childs is a great holiday read with some key takeaways for business owners.

Jack has a core philosophy around being prepared and always has an Exit Strategy.

Business Owners can learn from some of his key messages :

Know your surroundings and keep exits in view.

Never count on anything except surprise and unpredictability and danger.

Optimism is good. Blind faith is not.

Jack is always prepared and always aware of what's going on. He takes action when action is required.

What action are you taking in 2026 ?

PS. If you want to buy the book there is a link in the comments .

Want more than just a job ?

Import/Distribution your thing ?

Believe you can make a meaningful contribution and help scale a business ?

This business seeks new input and management from a dynamic individual with a passion and interest in interior and exterior design to join their team and help propel and grow it.

See below for more information :

https://www.platform1.co.nz/opportunities/view-opportunities/premium-importdistribution-auckland/

Here’s what we are seeing :

Management Buy-Ins are gaining awareness and traction - external talented entrepreneurial people transitioning in over time.

Employee Ownership Models are emerging to keep businesses locally owned and resilient.

Businesses who have evaluated all options first and have a clear strategy, get the best outcome.

The next five years will reshape business ownership in NZ. Those who plan early will benefit, but those who wait, risk losing control of their business exit options.

https://www.platform1.co.nz/resources/blogs/2025-business-exit-landscape/

Our latest exit options article in NZ Manufacturer .

Not all exit options are right for your business.

You may know most of your options but possibly not a Management Buy-In (as opposed to Management Buy-Out).

If you want to know the difference, read my article below.

Management Buy-In vs Management Buy-Out - NZ Manufacturer Not all exit options are right for your business. A Management By-In or Buy-Out could be an attractive option worth evaluating. -Mike Warmington, Platform 1 Many people know about a Management Buy-Out when a person or team within your business becomes your exit option, generally over time. A Managem...