"We are pleased to be involved with the Small Business Council. In today’s fast changing world where small business face increased complexity, digital disruption, a changing trade environment and increased costs and compliance, we are very keen to work with government to ensure that policy acts as an enabler for small business and supports strong outcomes for business and the wider community," said Leeann Watson.

Around 80 per cent of the members of The Chamber are SMEs, and recent statistics have shown 97 per cent of New Zealand businesses are SMEs.

"The Chamber in Canterbury has been operating for 159 years, and we are keen to ensure that the existing networks of small business support with extensive track records in the sector are a key part of the discussions around opportunities to improve the performance of small business in New Zealand."

The Chamber is a not-for-profit membership-based service organisation that has he home and voice of business in the Canterbury region since 1859. Comprised of over 2900 members, The Chamber actively provides advisory and consultancy support in employment relations, human resources and health and safety, and training and development in many areas including employment relations.

"One of The Chamber’s key focus areas is of course providing support to small business to help them do business better and we look forward to continuing our work with government to do that," said Leeann Watson.