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The managing director of Woburn International carries outmany roles in what initially might be considered a licensed immigration advisory business.
But, as well as helping companies in New Zealand and overseas get hold of bright technicalpeople, Ranson is also proud of the introduction and hand-holding function Woburn’s carried out inthe past 12 of its 22 year existence.
To date she’s matched 13 overseas individuals and companies with opportunities in New Zealand– both to live and expand promising businesses looking to expand. Usually there’s several zeroesin the dollars being talked about.
Attending a recent Industrial Research Ltd innovation showcase, Ranson says she takes a long termapproach to initially introducing the idea of an American, European or Asian investor thinking abouta technology-savvy Kiwi company, and of them eventually taking up residency in New Zealand.
Technology-led New Zealand companies often need new investment to grow, and often the principalshave no succession plan says the Lower Hutt based director, who is also on the Hutt Valley’sChamber of Commerce executive.
Presentations about opportunities downunder
She often attendsoverseas conferences and gives presentations about the opportunities downunder, including a recenttrip to Pheonix, Arizona.
“A lot of these people had never considered New Zealand,” she says. “I see one of my jobsas creating awareness to then enter a conversation. From that we can spark things furtheralong.”
Given its experience and reputation, Ranson is aware of, or introduced to a number of New Zealandcompanies looking for the overseas investment and market distribution opportunities that Woburnoffers she says.
“I’ve had others ask how we do it. The answer’s simple, hard work,” she says.
It also takes up to a couple of years between introducing New Zealand companies and lifestyle asan option and the final deal coming through.
But once investors become aware of New Zealand’s footprint into Asia and the excellence of manyof the technology-led companies, these people with money and connections are keen to explorefurther.
The internet can provide an initial, simplistic idea of opportunities on both sides, but afterthat, “you have to talk to people face to face,” she says.
Woburn’s fee for such relationship brokering is a mix and match, depending on where thedeal’s emphasis is.
She also occasionally finds herself becoming involved in matchmaking advice when an originalventure discussion has broken up.
At this time too, as well as helping companies source talented staff, Woburn’s immigrationadvisory service kicks into full operation.
However, Ranson’s obviously keen on joining the dots between people and businesses whowouldn’t necessarily know the other exists.
“It’s hard work, but it is fun. You’re knocking on doors, connecting people to allow themto get places,” she says.
Note: this story originally appeared in Idealog; see