104 | Celebrating 5 years of pushing boundaries in Northland. As TopGate Marketing, a Northland based marketing agency, prepares to celebrate its 5th birthday, owner Abbey Duncan-Hughes looks back at the business innovation she has witnessed during her time here in Northland. was inally starting to get some well deserved recognition for being ahead of the innovation and entrepreneurship curve. It seemed like every week there were either new start-ups or expanding companies making changes in the region and I’m proud to say that we've stood alongside many of these businesses during the past ive years - spanning all sectors from FMCG, Ecommerce, Construction, Primary Sector, Professional Services, Trades and Retail. People have often asked why I chose to start my business so far north, when I could be based anywhere. For me, the move north had very little to do with my own business and everything to do with the Northland lifestyle and community. It was hard to ignore that Northland business owners demonstrated that it is possible to foster an environment where creativity, collaboration and ambition are all welcomed with open arms - that was something I wanted to be part of. Over the years’ Northland businesses have proven to be an enormous asset to the region. Even in a iercely competitive market and with the disruption of the pandemic, they managed to make our economy thrive while remaining true to the region. Most recently, we’ve worked with Kāinga Hub of Kaikohe, a business tackling homelessness by helping whānau through the prefab building process. Geobind of Kerikeri, a sustainable and innovative hemp based construction material, and The Kaeo Bread Company, who champion local produce for the entire North Island to enjoy. Their ambition and innovation is something we should all be proud of. 5 years ago, I would never have guessed that we'd witness so many positive changes in the region. Take a look around you - things are certainly changing. Going forward into the next 5 years, I’m excited to continue to support this region, these businesses and the people behind them, so that they may reach even greater heights. Five years is a mighty long time for a new business and it's something I'm proud of. I've been lucky enough to meet some inspiring people and have the pleasure of working with some of the most progressive businesses across a broad spectrum of industries - those who enrich our community, drive new business and focus their pursuits well beyond their boundaries in terms of challenging the status quo and making an impact in our thriving Te Tai Tokerau. When I irst started TopGate Marketing, as a one-woman-band with a desk, a computer and more business cards than I knew what to do with, I had no idea that ive years down the track I would be surrounded by an amazing team of 5 and working remotely in an o ice that overlooks the beautiful Far North bush - a far cry from the Auckland cityscape I was use too. As TopGate’s irst year rolled into the second and then the third, it was clear that Northland
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