6 | REGIONAL Bartley Group Holdings Ltd T T From page 5 Brendon says the resource at GDM will help BGH enhance its Ali Arc company, specialists in the design and manufacture of bullbars, nudge bars, and replacement truck bumpers for the New Zealand and North American markets. “Linking GDM to Ali Arc gives us a huge staffing resource spread over both businesses and the ability to share knowledge internally in terms of product development. There are also operational benefits of shared specialist machinery, which will open up the ability to produce a greater variety of products at both businesses. We have always played primarily in the New Zealand market so we are looking at potential further afield and breaking into markets overseas. GDM provides the launch pad to do these things.” The other change for the Group has been bringing brother John’s Bartley Real Estate business (Bayleys Whanganui) into the Group and merging the Group’s Ray White Real Estate business into it. The 450 rental properties that were managed by Ray White transitioned to Bayleys Whanganui, along with all staff. Brendon says the aim is to continue to grow the property arm of BGH and, under Bartley Property Investments, the Group has acquired three more commercial properties, which it leases. He says that the moves are an example of the Bartley family’s on-going commitment to growing employment opportunities locally. Each family member is on the advisory board and they each have operational responsibilities within the Group. For example, Brendon’s sister Sarah oversees the Robert Bartley Foundation and Mellonsfolly Ranch and other sister Angela is graphic designer for the Group. “We are a private family-owned business and that culture flows through to staff, providing people with opportunities to grow, develop and live for the long term in Whanganui. Hence the focus on setting up BGH for future generations.” Another big catalyst has been the passing of Brendon’s father Robert, in 2020 from cancer. From small beginnings several decades ago when Robert, alongside wife Ann, founded the original business, the Group has continued to grow and diversify in and around the region across various businesses, and now comprises 14 businesses, which include manufacturing, distribution, logistics, real estate, retail, IT and financial services. Robert’s significant contribution to the local region was recognised in 2018 when he was the recipient of the Judith Timpany Award at the Whanganui Business Awards. He was further awarded the Queens Service Medal for services to the community in 2019. “We’re pretty proud of where we’ve come from - a one-man band when Dad started out. His aim was to keep on growing and we will continue his dream.” A significant move has been the establishment of the Robert Bartley Foundation in 2020 before Robert’s passing as a commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of the Greater Whanganui Region, including Marton, Bulls, Taihape, Waiouru, Ohakune and Raetihi, through a diverse array of local initiatives. At the forefront of this is the Waka Hauora, The Mobile Health Bus, launched in 2020 with the primary aim of enhancing healthcare accessibility across the region. Brendon says the project has provided an extensive range of essential health services to the community, such as administering immunisations, conducting free health screenings to facilitating school-based health services, sexual health clinics and cancer screenings. Brendon says that the Foundation’s mission extends far beyond healthcare alone including fostering the development of essential life skills amongst youth, facilitating employment opportunities and promoting positive mental health practices. “Robert Bartley’s enduring legacy of community support, spanning his active involvement in sports, business, mentoring, and diverse community projects, serves as the Foundation’s guiding light. The Foundation is about continuing his legacy and giving back to the community he cherished.” Brendon says being a strongly local family owned and operated business gives BGH resilience. “Continuity and long-term family ownership of the business is extremely important to us. We are proud to call ourselves locals. Together with our dedicated, skilled, and WE WORK WITH BUSINESSES WHO WANT THAT “X FACTOR” FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS IN DISPLAY SYSTEMS, FIXTURES AND STORE SHELVING ACROSS NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA. WWW.GDM.COM LOOKING FOR AN INNOVATIVE, CUSTOMISED END TO END SOLUTION FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL STORE? LET’S TALK. INTERNATIONAL CALLS +64 6 349 1789 NEW ZEALAND 0800 690 220 Helping local businesses like Bartley Group Holdings Ltd with their legal needs. With 35+ years of commercial law experience. Richard and Rob Moore offer comprehensive leading edge commercial advice to a range of private and not-for-profit organisations in all aspects of commercial law. This time Moore really does mean more. Experience. Expertise. Personal Service. Tel. (06) 349 0012 moorelaw.co.nz Talk to Richard and Rob at Moore Law today for expert, comprehensive advice. Talk to the team today loyal staff we are currently navigating the headwinds of the New Zealand economy like everyone else. But we have the right people and structures in place to give us resilience to keep growing as a business and achieve even more.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=