26 | Whanganui: Bartley Group Holdings ‘Good people’ behind diverse business T T Sue Russell In 2020 a joint venture between Direct Connect and CentrePort in Wellington was established. “ ... but one thing that he (Rob) always committed to was investing in the people and the region that the family has a strong connection to.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Brendon Bartley is the Managing Director of Whanganui-based Bartley Group Holdings, a substantial entity with several diverse businesses under its wing. “One thing that my father Robert (Rob) and Mum Ann did was work very hard, with a plan that the whole family would, in time, be engaged in the Group. We were all wellgroomed to be involved. We call it ‘Dad’s plan’, says Brendon. Rob started humbly, with the purchase of a small petrol station when he was just 19 years old. This was followed by the active acquisition and selling of several businesses in the Whanganui District. “He was always looking at bringing certainty to the business’s future, but one thing that he always committed to was investing in the people and the region that the family has a strong connection to.” Brendon says it was Robs’ express wish that the business retains family ownership and provides opportunities for future generations. In 2019, Rob was awarded a Queens Service Medal for Services to the Community, something that the family are extremely proud of. Rob established a Bartley Group Advisory Board in 2020, to support the ongoing governance of the business. It was at this time that Brendon succeeded his father as Group Managing Director. Today, the Bartley Group employs around 120 locals, as well as 50 staff operating in Canada under Ali Arc Canada. The scope of businesses is as varied as its activities and includes Ali Arc Industries, Ali Arc Logistics, Ali Arc Canada, Antrim Design, Direct Connect, Hive Plus, Mellonsfolly Ranch, RFS Fire & Building Compliance, Safemode, The Stihl Shop Whanganui, Whanganui & Marton Finance, Waterfall Mountain Honey, and the Robert Bartley Foundation. Brendon’s twin brother, John, is the Managing Director of Bartley Realty in Marton, and Bayleys Whanganui and Ruapehu, which will shortly come into the Bartley Group. Some of the companies purchased have been for more strategic reasons, while others have been created because the family identified a gap in the market or a local need. “Dad established the Robert Bartley Foundation to create a way to bring mobile health services to Whanganui. “Our main future focus is cancer treatment support, as Dad had been unwell with cancer for five years and that involved a lot of travelling to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment”, Brendon says. Asked why the company has continued to flourish, Brendon says it is the legacy his father left, and always investing in good people. A focus for the last five or so years has been to evolve business systems to support new entities to establish well. “We’ve tied the businesses together well, so the Holding company operates really effectively and supplies services and structures to the individual businesses.” The founding of Ali Arc Canada happened by chance; Brendon explains. “That was in 1995. Before this we had Ali Arc Industries based here in Whanganui, which manufactured a range of truck and van protection, such as bull bars. “We attended a truck show in Rotorua, where a trucking business owner from Canada was also in attendance. He saw what we had to offer, and the rest is history.” This created a huge new opportunity and scale to operate out of Winnipeg, Canada, supplying products for fleets of hundreds of trucks. The honey production business has been in the company fold for six years. In 2020 a joint venture between Direct Connect and CentrePort in Wellington was established, and most recently work is underway to bring Bayleys Whanganui into the group. The Health Bus, an ex-library bus converted into a mobile health clinic by the Robert Bartley Foundation, has received good support from the Whanganui District. Brendon feels there could be more of a business focus from the Council as to what Whanganui really has to offer; encouraging new enterprises to establish in the region. “We have found engagement with the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce to have been a real positive for us. “There’s a strong collaborative approach within the organisation. We’re not afraid to share our successes and our failures together.” The aim continues to be to identify businesses coming up for sale which fit into the strategic framework of Bartley Group Holdings. And looking after an intergenerational business means keeping one eye firmly fixed on the future, ensuring over time the current generation of Directors and Managers can step back, enabling the next generation to take up important roles. “These are uncertain times, but we know that investing in our people, some of whom have worked loyally with us for many years, is key to our continued growth and success.” Keryn and Shony are proud to work for Wanganui Finance Limtied. 100%Wanganui owned and operated since 2011. Give us a call or pop in see us for: CAR LOANS • DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN PERSONAL LOANS *Ts&Cs and lending criteria apply. 39 Moutoa Quay Mon-Thu 9.00-4.30 and Fri 9.00-4.00pm www.wanganuifinance.co.nz Fast, Friendly and Focussed on You Supporting Whanganui and Region Photocopying, Plans Printed Toners, O ce Furniture, Cleaning Supplies Locally owned since 1949 Member: O ce Products Depot of NZ www.meteor.opd.co.nz PARK AT THE DOOR
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